Independent mayor Carlos Manzo Rodríguez of Uruapan was shot dead on Saturday night while attending the traditional Festival of Candles in the city’s main square.

Reports indicate that one of the attackers was killed and at least one more was arrested. Manzo Rodríguez, known as “El del Sombrero” (“The Man with the Hat”), was attacked around 8 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, while mingling with dozens of attendees at the event.

The mayor was seriously injured and, after receiving first aid, was taken to Fray Juan de San Miguel Hospital, where he died. It was reported that his bodyguards shot one of the attackers and subdued another, while one of the council members — who was also wearing a hat — was injured, as shown in images circulating on social media.

Carlos Manzo won the mayoralty of Uruapan — known as the avocado capital — during the 2024 elections. He had previously served as a federal deputy for the Morena party in the 65th Legislature (2021–2024). Since that time, he had worn a bulletproof vest due to fears of an attack, as he had publicly declared his intention to confront organized crime head-on.

Earlier this year, he publicly called on the federal government for support in combating criminal groups operating in Uruapan, where authorities say several cartels are active, including the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), Los Caballeros Templarios, Los Viagras, Pueblos Unidos, and Los Blancos de Troya.

On October 29, 2024, journalist Mauricio Cruz Solís was murdered in the same square by alleged hitmen, minutes after conducting a live Facebook interview with Carlos Manzo.