The Mayor of a Mexican town has been shot dead within hours of taking office.
Alejandro Aparicio Santiago was sworn in as mayor of the town of Tlaxiaco in the state of Oaxaca on New Year’s Day.
Just 90 minutes later, two gunman opened fire on him as he made his way to his first official meeting at the town’s city hall.
He was taken to hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
Another local politician, Hernandez Gutierrez, also died in hospital following the attack.
Two other people, including local councilwoman Cleotilde Santos, were injured.
Oaxaca Governor Alejandro Murat strongly condemned the killings and said authorities were committed to a carrying out a thorough investigation.
He said a suspect had already been arrested.
Condeno enérgicamente el ataque contra el Presidente Municipal de Tlaxiaco. Solicité una exhaustiva investigación al Fiscal General y éste me informa que ya tiene detenido al probable autor del homicidio. Expreso mi pésame a los familiares y al pueblo de Tlaxiaco.
— Alejandro Murat (@alejandromurat) January 1, 2019
The suspect was reportedly was reportedly detained by local residents who held him until police arrived.
Authorities are continuing to search for the second suspect.
