The mayor of Chilpancingo, the capital of Mexico’s violence-ridden Guerrero state, was killed on Sunday, just six days after assuming office. Alejandro Arcos’ death, confirmed by Guerrero Governor Evelyn Salgado, has sent shockwaves through the region.
Governor Salgado expressed her grief and outrage over the murder in a statement on social media, describing it as a tragic loss for the state. “His loss mourns the entire Guerrero society and fills us with indignation,” she said, urging authorities to swiftly bring those responsible to justice. The state’s attorney general’s office has launched an investigation into the killing, but no further details have been provided as of now.
Arcos’ assassination follows closely on the heels of another political killing. Just three days earlier, Francisco Tapia, the secretary of the new city government, was also shot dead. These back-to-back murders have fueled growing concerns over the escalating violence against public officials in Guerrero.
Alejandro Moreno, leader of Mexico’s Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), has called for federal intervention, urging the national attorney general’s office to take control of the investigation. He highlighted the “situation of ungovernability” plaguing Guerrero, where violence against public figures has become increasingly common.
Guerrero is now one of Mexico’s deadliest states for politicians and journalists. In the lead-up to the June 2 elections, at least six candidates for public office were killed.
