Alejandro Arcos, the recently inaugurated mayor of Chilpancingo, Mexico, has been found dead, just six days after assuming office. His killing comes amid a surge of violence plaguing the region, largely attributed to the operations of powerful drug cartels.
Arcos’s body was discovered on Sunday, marking a grim chapter for the city, which has been struggling with gang-related violence for years. His death follows closely on the heels of the murder of his administration’s newly appointed secretary, Francisco Tapia, who was shot and killed only days earlier.
Evelyn Salgado, the governor of Guerrero state, expressed her grief and outrage over the killings, stating, “This fills us with indignation.” Chilpancingo, the state capital with a population of about 280,000, is now mourning the loss of two key officials in less than a week.
While no suspects or clear motives have been officially announced, the region is notorious for violent power struggles between local gangs. Chilpancingo has been a key battleground for cartels such as the Ardillos and Tlacos, both of which are engaged in turf wars over control of drug routes and other illicit activities.
Arcos had just begun his tenure when tragedy struck. In his brief time as mayor, he had been actively involved in coordinating disaster relief efforts after the devastation caused by Hurricane John, which led to severe flooding across the region. Hours before his death, he had shared updates on social media showing his meetings with local relief workers and residents.
Prominent figures have since spoken out against the escalating violence. Senator Alejandro Moreno referred to Arcos and Tapia as “young and honest officials who sought progress for their community,” calling on the federal government to step in and take charge of the investigation, given Guerrero’s history of lawlessness.
Arcos’s party, the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), condemned the killings, urging for swift justice and highlighting the need for better security in the region. The party stressed that the people of Guerrero “do not deserve to live in fear.”
Guerrero has long been a hotspot for political violence, particularly during election periods. At least six political candidates were murdered in the lead-up to Mexico’s June 2 elections this year, underscoring the dangers of holding office in regions dominated by cartel influence.
The wave of violence in Mexico has been ongoing since 2006 when the government initiated a militarized offensive against drug cartels. Since then, more than 450,000 people have been killed, with thousands more still missing, as the cartels continue to wage war against both the government and each other.
