Vice – His killing highlights the ongoing violence against politicians in Mexico, with at least 34 politicians murdered leading up to the June election.
The mayor’s death is just one in a series of violent attacks against politicians in the region.
Alejandro Arcos was elected mayor of Chilpancingo in June and only took office six days before his untimely death. Reuters reported that photos circulating on WhatsApp appeared to show a severed head on top of Arcos’s vehicle, but they couldn’t verify he was, in fact, beheaded.
“They have murdered our mayor of Chilpancingo, Alejandro Arcos, and just three days ago the secretary of this same City Council, Francisco Tapia,” Senator Alejandro Moreno wrote on social media. “They had been in office for less than a week.
They were young and honest officials who sought progress for their community. Our condolences and solidarity go out to their families.”
At least 34 politicians were murdered across Mexico leading up to the June election, making it the deadliest on record.
In Guerrero alone, at least three additional politicians were murdered this year, including Acacio Flores of Malinaltepec, Salvador Villalba Flores of Acapulco, and a local councilwoman.
Two days before his murder, Arcos reportedly asked for increased security protection.
