Assassination in Ecuador: Presidential Candidate Fernando Villavicencio Shot Dead

In a shocking turn of events, Fernando Villavicencio, a presidential candidate representing the Movimiento Construye, was assassinated during a rally in Quito, Ecuador. The incident has sent shockwaves through the Ecuadorian political landscape.

The Attack

Villavicencio was attending a gathering at the Anderson school coliseum in Quito when an unidentified assailant targeted him, shooting him in the face. The politician was immediately rushed to La Mujer clinic, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Immediate Aftermath

Carlos Figueroa, Villavicencio's running mate and a key advisor in his election campaign, confirmed the tragic news to the media outlet, El Universo. The assassination took place around 6:00 PM. Apart from Villavicencio's untimely death, several others were injured in the attack. In response, the National Police launched an extensive operation to track down the culprits.

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Who Was Fernando Villavicencio?

Aged 59 at the time of his death, Villavicencio's passing was also confirmed by the Minister of the Interior, Juan Zapata, as well as close friends and family members. He was among the eight candidates vying for the presidency in the upcoming early elections scheduled for August 20th in Ecuador. The country has recently been grappling with a surge in violence linked to drug trafficking. Villavicencio, a journalist and former member of the dissolved National Assembly, was polling second in voter intention with 13.2%. He trailed behind lawyer Luisa González, who led with 26.6%.

A Nation in Mourning

The assassination of a prominent political figure like Villavicencio underscores the escalating tensions and challenges facing Ecuador. As the nation mourns the loss of a potential leader, questions arise about the future of the political landscape and the safety of other candidates.

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Image: Pixabay
This content was partially edited with AI tools and published by a Benzinga editor.