Famous social media influencer shot dead during livestream
Cesar Gastelum, a well-known Mexican social media influencer, was attacked while livestreaming with friends outside a fast food restaurant in Culiacan. He had nearly 600,000 followers on TikTok and was widely known for posting comedy videos.
A video of the livestream goes viral
According to local authorities, two men arrived on a motorcycle while wearing helmets. A video of the livestream showed the motorcycle driver appearing to open fire directly at Gastelum before the attackers fled.
A security official in Mexico’s Sinaloa state confirmed Gastelum’s death. Officials also said a large security operation was launched to find those responsible for the attack.
The killing happened in Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa, where violence has continued for months. Rival criminal groups have been fighting for control of the area, making the city one of the country’s most dangerous places.
The incident has reminded many people of another deadly attack in May 2025. Mexican beauty influencer Valeria Marquez, aged 23, was shot and killed during a TikTok livestream while working at her salon in Zapopan, Jalisco.
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Prosecutors said a man entered the salon and opened fire on Marquez. Her case was investigated under femicide protocols because of the nature of the crime.
In July, Mexican authorities arrested Ramon Angel Alvarez Ayala, known as “El R-1,” in Jalisco. Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch identified him as the leader of a criminal group linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
Authorities have connected Alvarez Ayala to the killing of Valeria Marquez. They also accused him of ordering and financing the November 2025 murder of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo.
The latest killing has once again raised concerns about the safety of content creators in Mexico. Many people are asking whether influencers are becoming new targets of violent crime.
attack has increased fears about public safety in parts of Mexico. It also shows that violence can happen even during live online broadcasts, raising concerns for influencers and the public.
