Kathmandu— On Tuesday night, a gunman killed Mexican social media influencer César Gastélum during a live stream in Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa state. The attack occurred near the local prosecutor’s office and was captured on video, showing two men arriving on a motorcycle to shoot Gastélum before fleeing. Authorities are investigating whether the killing is linked to cartel violence.

Investigation Underway

Mexican authorities have launched an investigation into the shooting of César Gastélum, who had over 650,000 followers on TikTok and regularly posted content related to Mexican regional music. The Security Cabinet and local prosecutors stated that Gastélum may have released videos alluding to a faction of a criminal group, though no specific cartel has been blamed for the attack.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum emphasized the need to apprehend the perpetrators and understand the reasons behind the killing.

Ongoing Violence in Sinaloa

Sinaloa state has seen significant violence in recent years, particularly between two factions of the Sinaloa Cartel. Dead bodies marked with symbols representing these factions have been found across Culiacan, creating a dangerous environment for residents and social media personalities alike.

The attack on Gastélum occurred just blocks away from the local prosecutor’s office during rush hour, underscoring the pervasive nature of cartel violence in the region.

Targeting Social Media Influencers

Gastélum's death is part of a larger trend where criminal groups target social media influencers. These individuals are often killed or threatened for various reasons, including ties to one faction within disputed territories, money laundering activities, and disseminating information on behalf of cartels.

David Saucedo, a Mexican security analyst, explained that cartels aim to control regions by turning influencers into channels for spreading criminal messages.

The killing of César Gastélum highlights the ongoing dangers faced by social media personalities in Mexico and underscores the need for increased efforts to combat cartel violence.

(With inputs from AP)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.