A popular presidential candidate was assassinated as he left a rally on Wednesday night, August 9, less than two weeks before a fiercely contested election.
Fernando Villavicencio was killed as he departed from a rally in Quito, Ecuador. The assassination occurred at 6:20 pm local time outside a college.
Villavicencio, 59, a former right-wing journalist and advocate against corruption, was being escorted to his vehicle when the attack took place. The vehicle’s windows were not fortified against bullets. He sustained a gunshot wound to the head, as confirmed by his uncle, Galo Valencia.
During the incident, the gunman was neutralized by security forces. Six Columbian nationals, with connections to organized crime, have been arrested. The Attorney General stated that nine individuals, including a female National Assembly candidate and two police officers, were injured.
The candidate had previously spoken about threats he received from a criminal gang leader. He was a strong contender in the upcoming election, particularly against organized crime. President Guillermo Lasso acknowledged the assassination, hinting at the involvement of organized crime. Following the event, a state of emergency was declared in Ecuador.
Villavicencio, who had previously served in the National Assembly, had a polling rate of 7.5 percent. This incident follows the killings of other political figures in Ecuador earlier this year. Villavicencio was a representative of the Build Ecuador Movement and was known for his critiques of corruption.
Ecuador, once recognized for its low crime rates, is now facing an increasing number of homicides.
