In a shocking act of violence, Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio was shot and killed during a political rally in the capital city. President Guillermo Lasso confirmed the assassination and suggested that organized crime was behind the slaying. Villavicencio, known for his outspoken stance against corruption, was one of eight candidates in the upcoming presidential election on August 20th.

The president assured the public that this crime would not go unpunished and vowed to bring the full weight of the law down on those responsible. The attorney general's office reported that one suspect in the assassination died from injuries sustained in a firefight with authorities, and six suspects were subsequently detained during police raids in Quito. Ecuador has experienced a surge in violence, including drug trafficking, violent killings, and gang-related activities, which has contributed to an increasing sense of insecurity in the country. Villavicencio's campaign focused on rooting out corruption and combating organized crime, making him a target for threat and violence. He had received multiple death threats, including from figures associated with the notorious Sinaloa Cartel.

Videos circulating on social media captured the horrifying moment of the attack, showing Villavicencio entering a white truck surrounded by his security guards before gunshots rang out. The shocking incident left the candidate dead and several others injured, including law enforcement officers. Villavicencio, a prominent figure in the fight against corruption, had filed numerous complaints against high-ranking members of previous governments, including former President Rafael Correa. His assassination has prompted outrage among other candidates, who are demanding action against the escalating violence in Ecuador.

The country's historically calm atmosphere has been shattered by the rise in drug trafficking and gang activities, forcing Ecuadorians to confront a level of violence not seen in decades. In response to the crisis, President Lasso declared a state of emergency in two provinces and the national prison system, aiming to curb the escalating violence. This tragic incident has cast a dark shadow over the upcoming presidential election, causing deep concern for the future of the country. Ecuadorian society is mourning the loss of Villavicencio and demanding urgent measures to address the surging violence and drug trafficking that threaten the stability and security of the nation.