The newly elected mayor of Chilpancingo, Alejandro Arcos, was tragically murdered on Sunday, less than a week after he assumed office. The state governor of Guerrero confirmed the news, highlighting the ongoing violence that has plagued the region. Arcos was killed just six days into his tenure in Chilpancingo, a city home to approximately 280,000 residents in southwestern Mexico.
Governor Evelyn Salgado expressed her grief in a statement on social media, saying, “His loss mourns the entire Guerrero society and fills us with indignation.” The state’s attorney general’s office has announced that it is investigating the circumstances surrounding Arcos’ murder.
Grim Discovery Amid Violence
The official confirmation of Arcos’ death came after graphic images began circulating on the messaging platform WhatsApp, showing a severed head placed on top of a pickup truck, which reportedly belonged to him. However, Reuters was unable to independently verify the authenticity of these images.
This incident follows closely on the heels of the assassination of Francisco Tapia, the new city government’s secretary, who was shot dead just three days prior. Senator Alejandro Moreno condemned the violence, stating on social media that they were “young and honest officials who sought progress for their community.” Moreno, who leads Mexico’s Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), urged the federal attorney general’s office to take charge of the investigations into both Arcos and Tapia’s murders due to the “situation of ungovernability in Guerrero.”
A Deadly Climate for Public Officials
Guerrero has gained notoriety as one of the most dangerous states for public officials and journalists alike. The region has witnessed a surge in violence against those in political positions, with at least six candidates for public office being killed in the lead-up to Mexico’s elections on June 2.
In the days leading up to his death, Arcos had been actively involved in overseeing disaster relief efforts in response to Hurricane John, which had struck the area last month, causing significant flooding in Acapulco and nearby towns. His commitment to his community is evident in his recent social media posts that reflect his dedication to recovery efforts.