The newly elected mayor of Chilpancingo, Alejandro Arcos, was brutally murdered just six days after taking office, a crime that has drawn condemnation from President Claudia Sheinbaum. Reports indicate that Arcos was decapitated, with his head displayed on the hood of a pickup truck, although this has not been officially confirmed.
During a press conference, Sheinbaum expressed her outrage at the murder, describing it as “deplorable,” and announced that an investigation was underway to determine the motive behind the crime and to apprehend those responsible.
This incident marks the latest in a troubling pattern of violent attacks on politicians in Mexico, particularly in Guerrero state, where Chilpancingo is located. Guerrero Governor Evelyn Salgado expressed her indignation over the killing, highlighting the need for justice without delving into specifics.
Arcos was elected in June as part of an opposition coalition, which included the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). The PRI condemned the murder as a “cowardly crime” and urged for an end to violence and impunity in the region, stating, “The people of Guerrero do not deserve to live in fear.”
This tragic event follows the recent murder of another city official, Francisco Tapia, also underscoring the dangers faced by local politicians in Mexico amid the ongoing issues of corruption and the drug trade.
Before his death, Arcos had shared photos on social media from a visit to communities impacted by a recent hurricane, showcasing his commitment to serving his constituents.
The chilling circumstances of his death and the calls for justice highlight the ongoing challenges in ensuring safety and security for public officials in the country.