What began as a peaceful demonstration calling for peace in Michoacán, following the assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo Rodríguez, devolved into a brawl Sunday afternoon in Morelia. Members of the “Black Bloc” infiltrated the march, entered the Government Palace, and caused damage.
The call to action originated on social media Saturday night, anonymously inviting people to gather this Sunday, November 2nd, in Plaza Jardín Morelos with a dress code of white.
According to the announcement, the march was to proceed toward the city center along the main avenue, Francisco I. Madero. Approximately three thousand people gathered, chanting for peace and security in the state.
However, upon reaching the city center, men and women dressed in black mingled with the group and forcibly entered the Government Palace, breaking into the offices and vandalizing everything in their path.
State police officers fired tear gas at the protesters in an attempt to control the situation and arrested several young people who were taken into custody.
Several reporters were injured in the clashes while carrying out their work, and the demonstration was dispersed by members of the Civil Guard.
Michoacán is experiencing a wave of protests that has escalated in recent hours, with marches and demonstrations including incursions into government buildings, as well as tense incidents during the mayor’s funeral services.
The demonstration in the city of Morelia proceeded peacefully for the most part until a group broke away from the main contingent and stormed the State Government Palace, sparking moments of tension inside the building.
Broken windows, forced doors, damaged furniture, and graffiti demanding justice marked the scene. Phrases such as “Justice for Manzo,” “Enough of so much crime,” and “Out with Morena” were left on the walls.
Videos circulating on social media show clashes between protesters and police, as well as the chaos that erupted in the halls of the Government Palace.
Moments earlier in the city of Uruapan, the memorial service at the San José Funeral Home ended in a confrontation when Governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla arrived to offer his condolences. His presence sparked anger among those attending, including family members and public officials, who confronted him shouting, “Get out, get out!”
Carlos Manzo’s wife, Grecia Itzel Quiroz García, affirmed that the movement started by the former politician, known as “La Sombreriza,” will continue to support the people of Uruapan.
During the memorial service for the former mayor held at the Municipal Pergola, his widow said in her speech that although his life was taken and his voice silenced, “his fight will never end because this movement he founded will continue to confront the crime and insecurity plaguing the region.”
Business leaders, organizations, and public figures react
Throughout Sunday, there were expressions of support, condolences, and condemnations from social and civil organizations and business chambers in Michoacán, who unanimously condemned the murder of Carlos Manzo Rodríguez.
On social media and platforms like X and TikTok, Carlos Manzo’s name trended as users shared images and messages of protest and outrage.
Former US Ambassador Christopher Landau, a security official under former President Donald Trump, lamented the assassination and offered security support, although Secretary Omar García Harfuch rejected the offer, stating that bilateral cooperation on the issue already exists.
Students and citizen groups announced new marches in the coming days, demanding justice for the mayor’s murder and the recent killings of other prominent figures by organized crime, as well as the removal of the state governor from office.
With the murder of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo Rodríguez, the number of mayors assassinated during the administration of Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla, a member of the Morena party, has risen to seven.
Source: proceso
