Mexican mayor assassinated days after taking office

By Reuters

October 8, 2024 09:06

Reuters

Authorities have confirmed the murder of Chilpancingo mayor Alejandro Arcos, less than a week after he assumed office. The brutal crime, which has shocked the southern city and the nation, was condemned as "deplorable" by President Claudia Sheinbaum on Monday.

While local media reports claim that Arcos was decapitated, with his head left on the hood of a pickup truck, official sources have not confirmed these details. President Sheinbaum assured that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the motive and bring those responsible to justice. "We are working to ensure that those behind this tragic act are held accountable," she stated in a press conference.

The killing of Arcos is the second political assassination in Chilpancingo within days. Francisco Tapia, the city government’s secretary, was also murdered recently.

Guerrero Governor Evelyn Salgado expressed outrage over Arcos' death, stating on social media, "This act fills us with indignation," though she did not provide additional details.

Arcos, a member of the opposition coalition that included the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), was elected in June. The PRI condemned the killing, calling it a "cowardly crime" and demanding justice. "Enough of violence and impunity! The people of Guerrero do not deserve to live in fear," the party wrote on X.

PRI president Alejandro Moreno lamented the loss of both Arcos and Tapia, describing them as "young and honest officials who sought progress for their community" but tragically had been in office for less than a week.