Police in Mexico have arrested a man they accuse of being the mastermind behind the murder of a popular mayor.
Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan, was shot dead on 1 November at a public event marking the Day of the Dead.
Manzo was an outspoken critic of cartel violence in his home state of Michoacán and his assassination triggered mass protests.
Mexico's security minister said the man suspected of ordering his murder had links to the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
This arrest represents a key step in dismantling the criminal structure responsible for this attack, Security Minister Omar García Harfuch said.
He did not say what the possible motive of the attack may have been, but local officials in Mexico are often targeted by criminal gangs for failing to do their bidding.
García Harfuch named the suspect as Jorge Amando, withholding his surname, stating he ordered the deadly attack on Carlos Manzo.
According to the official, Amando, known as The Graduate, communicated with those who carried out the killing via WhatsApp, pressuring them to open fire on Manzo even if surrounded by people.
The 40-year-old mayor was attending a Day of the Dead ceremony alongside his relatives when he was shot seven times, sending bystanders running for cover.
Manzo had publicly addressed how avocado growers in the region were being extorted by criminal groups and demanded federal government action against cartel violence.
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, noted for engaging in drug trafficking, kidnapping, and extortion, is infamous for targeting officials who resist their influence.
Mass protests erupted following Manzo’s assassination, with demonstrators carrying his photo and chanting slogans like We are all Carlos Manzo. Some protesters clashed with police in significant demonstrations across Mexico City.
