In Ecuador, presidential candidate Villavicencio was shot dead during a political rally in the capital, Quito. Nine people were injured in the attack – the suspected shooter died.
A week and a half before early presidential elections in Ecuador, candidate Fernando Villavicencio was killed after a campaign event in the capital, Quito. This was confirmed by the head of state, Guillermo Lasso, who suspected organized crime behind the attack.
According to officials, at least nine people, including police officers and another candidate, were injured in the firing. The Attorney General’s Office said one of the suspects died of his injuries after being arrested. Details of the alleged shooting death were not initially released.
President threatens to lasso cartels
Video footage of Villavicencio’s appearance at the rally circulated online and showed him leaving the event with security guards. When he tried to get into a pick-up truck, he was fired upon. There was commotion around the car, and screams can be heard in the video. Villavicencio’s campaign adviser Patricio Zuquilanda later confirmed the footage’s authenticity to the Associated Press.
“I am outraged and shocked by the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio. My solidarity and condolences to his wife and daughters,” President Lazo wrote on Twitter. The National Security Council was convened by the Head of State. “Organized crime has gone too far,” Lasso continued. Officials talked about the act of terrorism and promised to solve the bloody act.
Villavicencio denounced corruption
Villavicencio ran for the South American country’s highest office as the candidate of the Construye (Construction) movement, coming in fourth or fifth place, according to recent polls. As a journalist and member of parliament, the 59-year-old has repeatedly criticized widespread corruption in Ecuador.
Before his assassination, Villavicencio was allegedly threatened by leaders of Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel, one of the international organized crime groups operating in Ecuador. Former Army Intelligence Colonel Edison Romo explained that Villavicencio’s anti-corruption efforts made him a threat to gangs.
Ecuador has been hit by waves of violence
Ecuador will hold presidential and parliamentary elections on August 20. These became necessary after President Lasso dissolved the National Assembly amid impeachment proceedings against him.
Ecuador is in a serious political crisis. Approval ratings for the government and parliament are very low. The once peaceful country is now plagued by waves of violence. Last year’s 25 murders per 100,000 people was the highest in the country’s history, more than Mexico and Brazil. The government blames drug dealers for the violence.
. “Amateur alcohol specialist. Reader. Hardcore introvert. Freelance explorer.”