Fernando Villavicencio, a candidate in Ecuador’s upcoming presidential election, was tragically assassinated during a campaign event in the capital city of Quito. This act of violence highlights the escalating crime rates in the country. In response, Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso has vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice, emphasizing that organized crime will face the full force of the law. To address this crisis, Lasso has declared a state of emergency for 60 days, mobilized armed forces nationwide, and announced three days of national mourning.
Despite this tragic event, the presidential election will proceed as scheduled, according to Electoral Council President Diana Atamaint. Villavicencio, who was shot and killed while leaving a campaign rally, was perceived as a middle-tier candidate in the race, far behind the frontrunner Luisa González. As a legislator in the National Assembly, Villavicencio had been vocal about combating corruption and addressing the violence associated with drug trafficking. In fact, he referred to Ecuador as a “narco state” and declared his intent to fight against the political mafia.
The suspected gunman died while in police custody after exchanging fire with security personnel. The Ecuadorian Attorney General’s Office has launched an investigation into the attack, which left nine people injured, including a candidate for the National Assembly and two police officers. Additionally, six individuals have been arrested, and an autopsy will be performed on Villavicencio’s body after being transferred to a morgue.
Footage circulating on social media shows the moment Villavicencio was shot. As he entered a vehicle surrounded by police officers and onlookers, multiple gunshots rang out. Authorities are currently being asked for further details regarding this tragic incident. Villavicencio’s sister, Patricia Villavicencio, who was present at the rally, holds the national government and the Interior Ministry accountable for her brother’s death.
Ecuador has been grappling with a deteriorating security crisis, largely fueled by drug trafficking and a violent conflict between criminal organizations. Despite its reputation as an “island of peace,” the country has seen rising homicide rates in recent years. Sandwiched between Peru and Colombia, Ecuador has become a major player in the cocaine trafficking routes between South America, North America, and Europe. Notably, the Pacific coast has witnessed intense violence as criminal groups vie for control over the distribution of drugs. In addition, Ecuador’s overcrowded prisons, often controlled by criminal gangs, have become increasingly uncontrollable for the authorities.
The assassination of Villavicencio comes at a time when Ecuador is facing significant challenges, including a compromised security situation and an economic crisis. As a result, more Ecuadorians are choosing to leave the country, with thousands attempting to make the treacherous journey through the Darien Gap in hopes of reaching the United States. The candidates running in Ecuador’s presidential election have all pledged to address the escalating violence. The United States’ Ambassador to Ecuador, Michael J. Fitzpatrick, has strongly condemned the attack and offered assistance in the investigation, describing Villavicencio as a fighter against corruption and the narco-criminals that have brought harm to Ecuador.
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