MEXICAN INFLUENCER SHOT DEAD DURING LIVE STREAM IN CULIACÁN

César Gastélum, a Mexican influencer with nearly 600,000 TikTok followers known for comedy videos, was shot dead while filming a live stream outside a fast-food restaurant in Culiacán, Sinaloa state. Gastélum was filming with two friends, all three dressed as food delivery drivers, when a motorcycle carrying two riders pulled alongside them. The motorcycle driver drew a gun and shot Gastélum at point-blank range. A security official in Sinaloa confirmed his death and said a major security operation was underway.

Mexico's security cabinet stated it was investigating several of Gastélum's posts, some of which referred to a faction of a criminal group, and said video surveillance and other evidence were being analysed to identify those responsible. President Claudia Sheinbaum said authorities were investigating the killing and working to identify the perpetrator. She stated that the actual perpetrators and any mastermind must be arrested and the reason for the homicide must be uncovered. Culiacán has become a centre of violence as factions of the Sinaloa cartel battle for control of the city.

According to local media reports, at least 12 social media influencers have been murdered in Culiacán since two factions of the Sinaloa cartel began fighting in September 2024. Influencers have also been targeted in Jalisco state. The killing represents the latest instance of bloodshed in the city as cartel-related violence continues.