Sat Oct 12 23:00:00 UTC 2024: ## New Mayor Sworn In Amidst Violence in Chilpancingo, Mexico
**CHILPANCINGO, Mexico (AP)** – A new mayor was sworn in Thursday in Chilpancingo, the capital of Guerrero state in southern Mexico, just days after his predecessor was brutally murdered.
Gustavo Alarcón, a doctor who was elected as an alternate on the same ticket as the deceased Mayor Alejandro Arcos, took office in a ceremony with minimal security. Arcos, who took office on October 1st, was found beheaded in a pickup truck just a week later.
The violence in Chilpancingo, a city of roughly 300,000 people, is attributed to a brutal rivalry between two drug cartels, the Ardillos and the Tlacos. The city has seen numerous violent incidents, including a demonstration where hundreds of people hijacked a government vehicle, blocked a major highway, and took police hostage in 2023.
Alarcón, in his inaugural address, pledged to work for the well-being of the city and combat the violence that has plagued Chilpancingo for years. However, concerns remain regarding his safety, as Arcos had requested additional protection before his murder. It is unclear whether Alarcón has been granted similar security measures.
The tragedy in Chilpancingo highlights the dire situation in Guerrero, which is known for its high levels of violence and organized crime. Earlier this year, Roman Catholic bishops in the state even intervened to broker a truce between warring cartels.
While the Mexican government has pledged to address the issue, concerns persist about the effectiveness of its strategy. In recent weeks, four other mayors in Mexico have requested additional security measures, highlighting the widespread fear and insecurity plaguing the country.
First Piper 