Tragedy struck the Mexican city of Uruapan, Michoacán, when Mayor Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez was shot and killed during Day of the Dead festivities in front of dozens of residents and tourists.

According to authorities, the attack happened Saturday night in the town’s historic plaza. The gunman, who opened fire seven times, was killed at the scene. A city council member and a bodyguard were also injured in the assault.

Manzo Rodríguez was rushed to a hospital but later died from his injuries, state prosecutor Carlos Torres Piñaconfirmed. Federal Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch said the weapon used was linked to recent clashes between rival cartels in the region.

On Sunday, hundreds of mourners dressed in black filled Uruapan’s streets, chanting “Justice! Justice!” during the funeral procession. Many held photos of the slain mayor and accused local officials of corruption and inaction against organized crime.

Manzo Rodríguez, who had gained popularity for his tough stance on crime — earning the nickname “The Mexican Bukele” — had repeatedly appealed to federal authorities for help tackling cartel violence.

His killing underscores the growing danger faced by local politicians in Michoacán, one of Mexico’s most violent states, where criminal groups battle for control of drug routes and territory.

The assassination, captured on video and widely shared online, has reignited national outrage over the persistent wave of violence targeting public officials in Mexico.