Ecuador: Ecuadorian President Mr. Guillermo Lasso has declared a nationwide state of emergency for 60 days following the killing of presidential candidate Mr. Fernando Villavicencio at a campaign rally in the capital, Quito.
The 59-year-old Mr. Villavicencio was killed at the campaign event amid a surge in violence, reportedly caused by drug traffickers.
“The armed forces as of this moment are mobilised throughout the national territory to guarantee the security of citizens, the tranquilly of the country, and the free and democratic elections of August 20,” Mr. Lasso stated.
According to reports, some 30 shots had been fired at an event in the north of Quito. Video footage posted on social media showed Mr. Villavicencio getting into a car after the event, before the sound of apparent gunfire and screaming.
“Outraged and shocked by the assassination of presidential candidate Mr. Villavicencio. My solidarity and condolences to his wife and daughters,” Mr. Lasso posted on X.
The attorney general’s office stated that “one suspect in the crime later died of injuries sustained in a shootout.” The violence injured nine other people, including a candidate for the legislature and two police officers.
The office added that six people have been arrested so far in connection with the crime during raids in Quito.
“This is a political crime that has the character of terrorism, and we do not doubt that this murder is an attempt to sabotage the electoral process,” Mr. Lasso further added in his statement made after meeting with security and electoral officials.
RELATED | Mike Pence declares candidacy for 2024 presidential race
