A Mexican social media influencer, César Gastélum, was shot and killed Tuesday evening while filming a livestream with friends in Culiacán, Mexico, local authorities reported.
Two individuals on a motorcycle approached Gastélum and his companions outside a fast-food restaurant before the driver reportedly fired directly at the 24-year-old content creator. A recording of the livestream reviewed by Reuters captured the incident. Gastélum, who had a significant online presence with nearly 600,000 followers on TikTok, was known for his comedy videos.
Authorities have classified the incident as a "targeted attack" and are actively investigating. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that the killing occurred amidst ongoing violence in Culiacán, the capital of Sinaloa state, which is a frequent site of conflict between rival organized crime groups.
"They are conducting a full investigation to arrest those responsible and investigating what the cause is, why this regrettable homicide occurred," Sheinbaum said Wednesday. The Security Cabinet of Mexico indicated that investigators are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry, including Gastélum's online posts, some of which reportedly referenced a faction of a criminal organization. Surveillance footage and other evidence are also being reviewed to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.