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Presidential candidate shot dead
Fernando Villavicencio, a prominent presidential candidate in Ecuador known for his vocal stance against cartels and corruption, was tragically shot and killed during a political rally in the capital city.
Fernando Villavicencio
The shocking incident adds to a disturbing wave of gang-related violence sweeping across the South American nation.
Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso confirmed the assassination of Villavicencio, underscoring his suspicions of organized crime’s involvement in the slaying.
The tragic event unfolded less than two weeks before Ecuador’s scheduled presidential election on August 20.
In a resolute statement, President Lasso pledged that justice would be served, asserting, “I assure you that this crime will not go unpunished. Organized crime has gone too far, but they will feel the full weight of the law.”
Ecuador’s attorney general’s office reported that one suspect died while in custody due to injuries sustained during a subsequent firefight after the assassination. Additionally, police apprehended six suspects following raids in Quito.
Villavicencio’s final rallying cry promised a relentless fight against corruption and the prosecution of the country’s wrongdoers.
Prior to the tragic incident, he had received multiple death threats, including from affiliates of Mexico’s notorious Sinaloa Cartel.
He believed that his campaign posed a significant threat to such criminal groups.
The slain politician was a candidate for the Build Ecuador Movement and was one of eight contenders in the election. While not the front-runner, Villavicencio, 59, was widely known for his fervent anti-corruption stance.
Outgoing Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso has declared a countrywide state of emergency for 60 days in response to the killing of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio.