4 Mexico Mayors Request Protection After Recent Killing of City Mayor

Alejandro Arcos was killed less than a week after being sworn in as mayor of Chilpancingo on Sept. 30.

Supporters of slain Mayor Alejandro Arcos place candles and flowers at the entrance of the municipal building following his death one week after he took office, in Chilpancingo, Mexico, on Oct. 7, 2024. Alejandrino Gonzalez AP Photo

Four mayors in Mexico have sought protection from federal authorities following the death of a city mayor who was beheaded just days after taking office, a local official said on Oct. 8.

Alejandro Arcos was killed less than a week after being sworn in on Sept. 30 as mayor of Chilpancingo, the capital of Guerrero state. His murder sparked fears after photos of his severed head, placed on top of a pickup truck, circulated on social media.