The attack happened in broad daylight

The attack happened in broad daylight, at about 1:30 p.m. (2:30 p.m. ET), and was brazen even by the standards of Mexico's violent drug cartel wars.

At least seven mayors in various Mexican states have been assassinated in 2010.

Mexican President Felipe Calderon condemned the "criminal and cowardly" killing of the mayor.

"The federal government reiterates that it will continue working for the security of the citizens, with all the available resources of the state," Calderon said.

Alexander Lopez Garcia assumed office in October of last year as a candidate for an alliance between the Revolutionary Institutional Party (PRI), and the Ecologist Green Party.