Sheinbaum Challenges the Monopolization of Public Outrage

Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico, has recently faced backlash following the assassination of Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez, the mayor of Uruapan. This tragic event occurred during the Day of the Dead celebrations on a Saturday. Manzo was known for defying organized crime and had repeatedly called on the federal government for assistance against violence and extortion in the region.

Public Outcry and Political Response

In her comments, Sheinbaum referred to those publicly lamenting Manzo’s death as “buitres” and “comentócratas carroñeros,” suggesting that their outcry was opportunistic. She implied that these voices were merely exploiting the situation for political gain. “Do they really care about Michoacán? Do they really care about Uruapan? No,” she stated during her address.

Sheinbaum’s criticisms extended to the media and political opponents, whom she accused of lacking genuine concern for the victims and instead focusing on attacking her government. According to journalist Arturo Ángel, during her “mañanera” press briefing, Sheinbaum mentioned Manzo only once while referencing former President Felipe Calderón ten times, blaming him for historical violence in Michoacán.

Violence Statistics in Michoacán

The ongoing violence in Michoacán is alarming. Seven mayors have been murdered in the state over the past three years, with three of the killings occurring under Sheinbaum’s administration. The list includes:

• Enrique Velázquez (Contepec)
• Arturo Valencia Caballero (Aguililla)
• Miriam Ríos Ríos (Jacona)
• Aurelio Santos Contreras (Cotija)
• Yolanda Sánchez Figueroa (Churumuco)
• Salvador Bastida (Tacámbaro)
• Martha Laura Mendoza (Tepalcatepec)

Additionally, a report by Data Cívica reveals that 63 public service members have been killed in Michoacán over the past five years. In October 2025, the state recorded 122 homicides, making it the third most violent region in Mexico, trailing only Guanajuato and Sinaloa. Notably, the majority of these murders were concentrated in Morelia, Zamora, and Uruapan.

Growing Concerns Over Political Violence

The assassination of Manzo comes shortly after Bernardo Bravo, a prominent figure exposing extortions by local cartels, was found dead. Reports indicate a troubling trend under Sheinbaum’s tenure, with one mayor being killed per month, a rate higher than in previous administrations. This alarming statistic includes mayors from various states, highlighting the widespread nature of the crisis.

Sheinbaum’s administration now faces a growing demand for accountability amid claims of failing to address the rampant violence unsettling the state. As public discontent rises, the challenge to monopolize outrage continues, despite increasing evidence of a crisis that cannot be ignored.