TikTok influencer shot dead during live stream

A gunman shot and killed popular TikTok influencer César Gastélum during a live stream in Mexico's northwestern state of Sinaloa. The incident occurred Tuesday night in the parking area of a Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) restaurant in the capital, Culiacan. Authorities' initial assessment suggests the killing is linked to cartel-related violence, though no specific group has yet been blamed.

Footage released from the incident shows Gastélum talking with two other people. Two men arrived on a motorcycle and approached him. One of them pulled out a firearm and opened fire. Both fled the scene quickly after the attack.

Mexico's security ministry and local prosecutors said the incident is under investigation. It is believed that some of the videos Gastélum had published may have referenced a criminal group, which could be connected to the killing. However, nothing has been confirmed pending the outcome of the investigation.

Condemning the incident, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said the killers must be arrested swiftly and the true cause of the incident uncovered.

Gastélum had more than 650,000 followers on TikTok and was also notably popular on other social media platforms, including Instagram. He mainly created comedic videos and content centered on Mexican regional music. Following his death, fans gathered at the scene and lit candles in tribute.

This marks the second time in just over a year that a content creator has been shot dead in Mexico while broadcasting live. In May 2025, beauty influencer Valeria Marquez was similarly killed by gunmen during a TikTok live stream in the state of Jalisco.