ECUADORIAN presidential hopeful Fernando Villavicencio has been shot and killed at a campaign event.
The candidate's death at age 59 was confirmed by current Ecuador president Guillermo Lasso.
Local media reports that Villavicencio was getting in the car after an event in Quito on Wednesday night when a man stepped forward and shot him in the head.
Videos from the campaign event shared on social media appear to show Villavicencio walking with his security and getting in a car before gunshots are heard as people scream and take cover.
The shooter has not yet been identified.
Read our Fernando Villavicencio blog for the latest updates…
- By Carsen Holaday
Suspect 'died of injuries'
A suspect in the assassination of Fernando Villavicencio reportedly died of their wounds, according to Ecuador's attorney general's office.
The suspect is said to have died after being arrested by authorities.
- By Matthew Aquino
Fernando Villavicencio's political beginnings
Fernando moved to a career in politics in 2013 when he became a parliamentary assistant to Cléver Jiménez.
On May 14, 2017, Fernando was sworn in as a member of the National Assembly and remained in his position until May 2023 when the legislative body was dissolved.
On June 10, the Ecuador native announced his candidacy for the 2023 presidential race in his home country.
He was sadly assassinated Wednesday night shortly after his presidential rally at a high school.
- By Matthew Aquino
Fernando Villavicencio pictured
Fernando Villavicencio was shot to death by gunmen at a political rally in Quito Wednesday night, a video revealed on social media.
Ecuadorean presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio speaks during a campaign rallyCredit: Reuters Former Assembly member and presidential candidate, Fernando VillavicencioCredit: AFP
- By Matthew Aquino
Fernando was a former journalist
Before entering the world of politics Villavicencio studied journalism and communication at the Cooperative University of Colombia.
He worked with one of the largest daily newspapers in Ecuador, El Universo.
During his time at the paper, he criticized Ecuadorian politician Gustavo Noboa.
- By Carsen Holaday
President is 'outraged and shocked'
The current president of Ecuador, Guillermo Lasso, shared a statement to X in Spanish.
"Outraged and shocked by the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio," Lasso wrote.
"My solidarity and condolences to his wife and daughters. For his memory and for his fight, I assure you that this crime will not go unpunished.
"The Security Cabinet will meet in a few minutes in Carondelet. I have asked the president of the CNE, Diana Atamaint; the State Attorney General, Diana Salazar; the President of the National Court of Justice, Iván Saquicela; and to the other State authorities to attend this meeting urgently to discuss this fact that has dismayed the country."
He concluded: "Organized crime has gone too far, but the full weight of the law is going to fall on them."
- By Matthew Aquino
Fernando Villavicencio was threatened recently
The Ecuadorian presidential candidate was reportedly threatened recently, BBC reported.
Villavicencio said he and his team were threatened by the leader of a gang linked to drug trafficking, the outlet reported.
- By Matthew Aquino
Ecuador dealing with rising crime
Much of the presidential campaign has focused on the rising crime the country has dealt with in recent years.
The country is reportedly seeing record levels of gang violence and drug trafficking.
- By Carsen Holaday
Video shows terrifying moment
Videos from the campaign event shared on social media appear to show Fernando Villavicencio walking with his security away from the Quito high school.
After the presidential candidate gets in a car, gunshots are heard as people scream and take cover.
- By Matthew Aquino
Officer injured during the attack
A police officer was also injured in the attack, officials confirmed.
The alleged attacker reportedly tossed a grenade toward Villavicencio but it did not explode, The Washington Post reported.
- By Carsen Holaday
Ecuador president shares statement
The current president of Ecuador, Guillermo Lasso, has shared a statement confirming Fernando Villavicencio's death.
“I assure you that this crime will not go unpunished,” Lasso said.
“Organized crime has gone too far, but they will feel the full weight of the law.”
- By Matthew Aquino
Rushed to hospital
The Ecuadorian candidate was rushed to a nearby clinic, where he was pronounced dead, The Washington Post reported.
Fernando Villavicencio was 59.
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