Ecuadorian Presidential Candidate Assassinated

QUITO, Ecuador Aug 10 – In a shocking turn of events, Fernando Villavicencio, a candidate in the upcoming Ecuadorian presidential election was assassinated Wednesday.

Villavicencio, 59, was fatally shot in the head as he entered his vehicle while leaving a campaign event in the nation’s capital, confirmed Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso.

The killing comes during a surge in violence within the country. Last month, the mayor of the Ecuadorian city of Manta was shot and killed. Three days later, President Lasso declared a national state of emergency in two provinces of the country as well as its prison system.

A journalist before venturing into politics, Villavicencio was known for his anti-corruption ideas and for speaking up against criminal groups. The slain presidential candidate had even filed multiple judicial complaints against highly ranked government officials.

One of these complaints even led to the arrest and prosecution of former country comptroller Pablo Celi in 2022.

In an interview earlier this month with local publication El Universal, he denounced political corruption and nepotism within the country.

“In my government there will be no brothers-in-law, brothers, no relatives…I never allowed my family to get close, let no friend come near. I am the only candidate who does not have a straw tail,” said Villavicencio.

News of his assassination prompted an immediate and emotional response from Ecuadorians across the country. Vigils and demonstrations sprung up in major cities overnight as citizens expressed their grief and anger at the loss of a figure brave enough to speak out against the country’s powerful criminal organizations.

U.S. Ambassador to Ecuador Mike Fitzpatrick said he was "deeply shocked” by the killing and that “the US Government strongly condemns this attack and offers urgent investigative assistance."

While Ecuadorian President Lasso has declared a state of emergency and three days of national mourning, the August 20^th elections are still set to take place.

Villavicencio is survived by his wife and five children.