Mexican social media influencer shot and killed mid-livestream video

The influencer had over half a million followers on TikTok.

A Mexican social media influencer, César Gastélum, was shot and killed Tuesday evening in the middle of filming a livestreamed video with friends in the northwestern city of Culiacán, Mexico, according to local authorities.

Two people on a motorcycle, both wearing helmets, approached Gastélum and his friends before the driver appeared to shoot directly at the 24-year-old content creator, according to a recording of the livestream reviewed by Reuters.

The incident occurred outside a fast-food restaurant, according to authorities.

Gastélum had more than half a million followers on TikTok.

Local authorities said the incident was a “targeted attack” and are conducting inquiries.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Wednesday that the killing occurred amid ongoing violence in Culiacán, the capital of Sinaloa state, which has been at the center of conflict between rival organized crime factions.

“They are conducting a full investigation to arrest those responsible and investigating what the cause is, why this regrettable homicide occurred," Sheinbaum said.

“Investigators are pursuing several lines of inquiry, including the victim’s online posts, some of which referenced a faction of a criminal organization,” the Security Cabinet of Mexico said on social media.

Authorities said they are also reviewing surveillance camera footage and other evidence to identify and apprehend those responsible, according to the Security Cabinet.

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