In a shocking and ruthless act of violence, Alejandro Arcos, the newly sworn-in mayor of Chilpancingo, the beleaguered capital of Mexico’s Guerrero state, was mercilessly assassinated on Sunday, less than a week into his term. The tragic death of Arcos, who took office merely six days ago, has sent shockwaves through the community of approximately 280,000 residents in southwestern Mexico, igniting a firestorm of fear and outrage.
Governor Evelyn Salgado condemned the heinous act with raw emotion, stating, “His loss mourns the entire Guerrero society and fills us with indignation,” a powerful declaration shared across social media platforms that underscores the profound grief and disbelief gripping the region. The state attorney general’s office has launched an immediate investigation into the brutal murder, following the circulation of chilling images on WhatsApp showing what appears to be Arcos’ severed head atop a pickup truck—a grisly symbol of the pervasive violence plaguing Guerrero.
This horrifying incident comes on the heels of another tragic loss, just three days after Francisco Tapia, the new city government’s secretary, was gunned down. The relentless targeting of public officials in Guerrero paints a grim picture of a state engulfed in terror, where aspiring and elected leaders are routinely silenced by ruthless forces. Senator Alejandro Moreno, head of Mexico’s PRI political party, voiced his outrage on social media, urging the federal attorney general’s office to spearhead the investigation into the murders of Arcos and Tapia. “They were young and honest officials who sought progress for their community,” Moreno declared, highlighting the audacious attempts to dismantle governance and instill chaos in Guerrero.
🔴 ¡Violencia extrema en Chilpancingo! Decapitan a Alejandro Arcos, alcalde del municipio que llevaba solo una semana en el cargo
— adn40 (@adn40) October 7, 2024
Te contamos 🧵 pic.twitter.com/4wa2GBWeHu