Mastermind of Mexico mayor’s murder arrested

Mexican police have arrested a man they accuse of being the mastermind behind the murder of a popular mayor.

On November 1, Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo was shot and killed during a public event to commemorate the Day of the Dead.

Manzo was an outspoken critic of cartel violence in his home state of Michoacán, and his assassination sparked mass protests.

Mexico’s security minister said the man suspected of ordering the murder has ties to the powerful Jalisco New Generation cartel (CJNG).

“This arrest is a key step in dismantling the criminal structure responsible for this attack,” Security Minister Omar García Khafouchi said.

He did not say what the possible motive for the attack was, but local officials in Mexico are often targeted by criminal gangs for not following orders.

García Harfouch said the suspect, named Jorge Amando but did not give his last name, was the one who ordered the fatal attack on Carlos Manzo.

He said Jorge Amando, also known as “The Graduate,” communicated with the killer via WhatsApp.

According to the official, the graduates pressured his men to shoot Manzo even as he was surrounded.

The 40-year-old mayor was attending a Day of the Dead ceremony with his relatives, which honors deceased family members and friends, when he was shot seven times, sending onlookers scrambling for cover.

Manzo has spoken publicly about how avocado growers in the region are being extorted and threatened by criminal gangs.

He also asked Mexico’s federal government, led by President Claudia Scheinbaum, to do more to curb drug cartels that dominate much of the state.

Mexico’s security minister blamed the Manzo attack on the Jalisco New Generation drug cartel, which is engaged in drug trafficking, kidnapping and extortion.

It is also notorious for targeting public officials who refuse to carry out its orders.

While the CJNG is considered the most powerful criminal gang operating in Michoacán, there are many other criminal gangs and their fight for control of drug, weapons and fuel smuggling routes often leads to deadly confrontations.

Manzo’s assassination sparked massive protests.

At a large rally in Mexico City last weekend, many protesters held placards with the mayor’s photo, while others held banners that read “We are all Carlos Manzo.”

Some protesters clashed with police in central Mexico City’s Zocalo Plaza.