Mexican social media influencer César Gastélum was shot and killed while broadcasting live on TikTok outside a fast-food restaurant in Culiacán on Tuesday. The attack occurred as Gastélum, known for his comedy videos, streamed alongside two friends. According to local media, two men arrived on a motorcycle and one opened fire at close range before both fled the scene. Police initially mistook the victim for a delivery rider because the group wore bright yellow jackets and carried delivery bags. Authorities later confirmed Gastélum’s identity.
No arrests have been made. Investigators are examining cartridge casings recovered at the location and reviewing CCTV footage as part of the ongoing inquiry. Officials have not disclosed a motive, and it remains unclear whether Gastélum had received threats prior to the shooting.
The killing marks the latest in a string of violent deaths targeting social media personalities in Mexico. In May 2025, beauty influencer Valeria Márquez, 23, was shot dead while livestreaming on TikTok from a salon in Zapopan. Another content creator, Leobardo “El Gordo Peruci” Aispuro, was killed in Culiacán in December 2024. The pattern has raised alarm among digital creators and press freedom advocates, who point to the increasing vulnerability of public figures who broadcast their daily lives in real time.
Authorities have not established a direct link between the cases, but the similarities — livestreamed attacks in public spaces — have prompted calls for stronger protective measures for online personalities. The Mexican government has yet to announce a coordinated response to the trend.
As the investigation continues, colleagues and followers of Gastélum have expressed shock and demanded justice. The incident underscores the broader risks faced by influencers operating in regions with high levels of organized crime and impunity. Police say they are pursuing all lines of inquiry, including the possibility that the shooting was targeted. Further updates are expected as forensic analysis progresses and surveillance evidence is reviewed.
