Mexican influencer shot dead during livestream in suspected cartel-linked attack
A social media influencer was shot dead during a livestream in Mexico's north-western state of Sinaloa, authorities said on Wednesday, in an attack that has intensified concerns over violence targeting online personalities in the country.
César Gastélum was killed on Tuesday night in the state capital, Culiacán, after two men arrived on a motorcycle and one of them opened fire, according to authorities. Investigators said the killing appeared to be linked to organised crime but did not identify any specific criminal group.
A video of the attack, reviewed by The Associated Press, showed Gastélum speaking with two other men in the car park of a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant before the gunman shot him and fled with the rider. The attack occurred only a few blocks from the local prosecutor's office during rush hour.
Mexico's Security Cabinet and local prosecutors said Gastélum had posted videos that "alluded to a faction of a criminal group". The motive remains under investigation.
President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned the killing and said those responsible must be arrested.
"We must find out why this deplorable homicide occurred," she said.
Gastélum had more than 650,000 followers on TikTok and also maintained a large presence on Instagram and other platforms, where he posted comedy videos and content set to regional Mexican music.
The killing comes amid ongoing violence in Sinaloa, where rival factions of the Sinaloa Cartel have been engaged in a prolonged conflict. Authorities have also reported a broader pattern of organised crime groups targeting social media influencers, particularly in Sinaloa and Jalisco.
Candles were placed at the scene on Wednesday. Gastélum's death follows the killing of beauty influencer Valeria Márquez, who was shot during a TikTok livestream in Jalisco in May 2025.
Security analyst David Saucedo said criminal groups often target influencers to control public narratives, alleging that some are pressured to disseminate messages, promote factions or maintain ties with organised crime. The investigation is ongoing.
