The mayor of a crime-ridden city in Mexico has been killed less than a week after taking office, the latest in a string of violent attacks targeting politicians in the country.
Alejandro Arcos, who became mayor of Chilpancingo on October 1, was killed just days after the city government's secretary, Francisco Tapia, was shot to death. This violence has sparked renewed concerns about security in a nation that recently held its most violent general election in history.
On Monday, Mexico’s newly elected President Claudia Sheinbaum called Arcos' murder "unfortunate" and announced that her security cabinet would provide more details on the government's strategy to tackle the nation's security issues. She emphasized the need for increased presence, intelligence, and collaboration with state governors.
A mourner pays respects to Alejandro Arcos in Chilpancingo, Mexico, on October 7. Oscar Ramirez/Reuters
Chilpancingo, the capital of Guerrero, a state known for violent crime and home to the tourist hotspot Acapulco, has been heavily affected. Guerrero’s governor, Evelyn Salgado, condemned the killing and promised accountability, expressing deep indignation at the loss.
The violence against Mexican politicians is not limited to Guerrero. During the June 2 general election that brought Sheinbaum to power, at least 34 political candidates were assassinated. Just hours after her election, the mayor of a western Mexican town was also killed. According to Integralia Consultants, criminal organizations often target municipal-level politicians to gain influence over law enforcement and local economies. These groups are known to finance campaigns, intimidate candidates, and violently force cooperation from elected officials.
