Antonio Balam, the administrator of the "Patrullando tu Colonia" page in Uruapan, Michoacán, was shot in a targeted attack around 5:30 PM on Sunday, January 4. Balam was riding his motorcycle on Fray Juan de San Miguel Avenue, near the intersection of Anillo de Circunvalación, when assailants intercepted him and fired seven shots. A 17-year-old bystander was also injured in the incident.
The Michoacán State Attorney General's Office confirmed the attack through a press release and reported that Governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla addressed the incident in his regular Monday press conference, stating that Balam was hospitalized for treatment.
Balam previously worked as a municipal police officer until he was dismissed under the administration of the late Carlos Manzo Rodríguez, as part of a police purge announced by the mayor upon taking office. Following his dismissal, Balam began conducting patrols in Uruapan’s neighborhoods and live broadcasts on Facebook based on community reports, leading to the creation of the "Patrullando tu Colonia" page.
The Attorney General's Office has launched an investigation into the shooting and, in accordance with protocols for crimes against human rights defenders and journalists, has ordered protective measures for the victims.
The context of violence against journalists in the area is notable, as illustrated by the incident where Mauricio Cruz Solís, a journalist, was murdered on October 29, 2024, shortly after interviewing Carlos Manzo in the city center. Local journalists and the #NiUnoMás Michoacán Collective have raised concerns about hate speech propagated by Carlos Manzo against communicators, which continues to be echoed by his followers.