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Mexico arrests suspect in fatal shooting of TikTok influencer Cesar Gastelum

Authorities say the shooting during a livestream in Culiacan was linked to social media posts referencing a cartel faction.

The short version

  • Mexican authorities arrested a suspect in Puebla for the August 4 killing of TikTok influencer Cesar Gastelum, who was shot during a live broadcast in Culiacan.
  • During the arrest operation, police officers came under fire by three armed individuals, resulting in the death of one attacker and the arrest of the primary suspect and another individual.
  • Investigators believe Gastelum's killing was linked to his social media posts, which allegedly made reference to a faction of a local criminal group.

Key facts

  • Influencer Cesar Gastelum was shot and killed on August 4 in Culiacan, Sinaloa, while dressing as a food delivery worker and participating in a social media challenge during a livestream.[CBS News]
  • Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch reported that the alleged shooter was tracked to the central state of Puebla.[CBS News]
  • During the apprehension of the suspect, three armed individuals attacked police, leading to officers killing one attacker and arresting the suspected shooter along with another person.[CBS News]
  • Mexico's security secretariat stated that preliminary findings indicate Gastelum was targeted because of social media posts alluding to a criminal faction.[CBS News]

Sources