Mexican influencer Cesar Gastelum shot to death during livestream

Mexican social media influencer Cesar Gastelum was shot and killed on Tuesday while livestreaming with friends outside a fast-food restaurant in the northwestern city of Culiacan. Gastelum, who had a significant following on TikTok for his comedy videos, was engaged in a live broadcast when two helmeted individuals on a motorcycle approached the group.

A recording of the livestream, as seen by Reuters, appears to show the motorcycle's driver firing directly at Gastelum. A security official in Sinaloa state confirmed the influencer's death and stated that a substantial security operation is currently underway in the area. This incident adds to a pattern of violence in Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa, which is a known hotspot for conflicts between rival organized crime factions vying for control.

The shooting also brings to mind the killing of Mexican beauty influencer Valeria Marquez in May 2025, who was also fatally shot while reportedly in a TikTok livestream. The persistent violence in the region underscores the dangers faced by individuals in areas affected by organized crime, even those in the public eye.