Mexican mayor executed in La Piedad, Michoacán

Ricardo Guzmán Romero, mayor of La Piedad, in Michoacán state, was killed outside of a fast food restaurant tonight. He was a member of Mexico's National Action Party (PAN). Guzmán Romero was elected in November 2007, and his term in office would have ended on December 31.

The mayor was attacked about 7:30 p.m. by four armed men traveling in a van. Guzmán was participating in a PAN political event and was walking down a street with a group of young people when he was fired on. He was hit several times and rushed to a hospital, where he died a short time later.

President Felipe Calderón said this evening, "I embrace Ricardo Guzmán's family. He died at the hands of cowardly assassins, while trying to make La Piedad a better place."

In the last two years 18 Mexican mayors have been murdered, and since the Calderón offensive against the drug cartels began in December 2006, about 25 have been killed. In at least 20 upcoming mayoral races PAN and other candidates have refused to run due to security concerns.