Gen Z Protests in Mexico City Turn Violent After Mayor’s Murder

Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Mexico City on Saturday to protest the government of President Claudia Sheinbaum, following the recent assassination of Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez, the mayor of Uruapan in Michoacán state. The protest, organized primarily by members of Generation Z, escalated into violence, leading to injuries for at least 120 individuals, predominantly police officers.

The march began peacefully, with participants expressing their outrage over the murder of Manzo, who was killed on November 1, 2024, while actively combating drug trafficking in his community. According to Pablo Vázquez, the security chief for Mexico City, the demonstration remained orderly for several hours until a group of masked individuals initiated violent actions. Vázquez reported that among the injured, 100 police officers required treatment, with 40 needing hospitalization for various injuries. Additionally, 20 protesters sustained injuries during the unrest.

Protesters carried banners and wore hats in honor of Manzo, who had been recognized for his courage in challenging criminal gangs. Rosa Maria Avila, a 65-year-old real estate agent who traveled from Michoacán to join the demonstration, emphasized the former mayor’s bravery, stating, “He had the guts to confront them.” Many participants echoed calls for increased security, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with the current administration’s handling of public safety.

The crowd gathered outside the National Palace, where Sheinbaum resides and conducts official business. Tensions escalated as protesters tore down metal fences surrounding the palace, prompting police to deploy tear gas and fire extinguishers in an attempt to restore order. Demonstrators shouted at law enforcement, accusing them of failing to protect Manzo.

The situation became increasingly chaotic as hundreds of young protesters clashed with police, throwing projectiles and facing retaliatory measures, including the police using their shields and throwing objects back at the crowd. The unrest marked a significant moment in the ongoing discourse regarding public safety and government accountability in Mexico.

In the days leading up to the protest, President Sheinbaum accused right-wing parties of attempting to co-opt the Generation Z movement, suggesting they were using social media bots to amplify attendance. She stated, “It is a movement promoted from abroad against the government,” reflecting her administration’s concerns about external influences on domestic protests.

Despite facing criticism for her security policies, Sheinbaum maintains a high approval rating, reportedly above 70%. Nevertheless, the violent turn of the protest signals growing frustration among the populace regarding safety and government responses to violence, particularly in light of high-profile murders such as that of Manzo.

As the situation continues to unfold, the implications of these protests extend beyond the immediate violence, highlighting the deep-seated issues of public safety and governance that resonate across generations in Mexico.