Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio was killed in Quito this Wednesday after gunmen attacked an election rally held ahead of the August 20 vote. The attack unfolded in the capital as supporters gathered, turning a political moment into a tragedy that stunned the nation. The violence prompted immediate questions about security at campaign events and the broader implications for Ecuador’s electoral process. The event has set off a wave of concern across the country about political safety and the potential impact on public sentiment as the campaign entered its final stretch, with political figures calling for calm and decisive action.
Villavicencio, a former trade unionist and leader of the Construye Movement, was transported to a nearby hospital where officials confirmed his death. The information was reported by Interior Minister Juan Zapata through Primicias, the newspaper that has been following the case closely and providing ongoing updates as authorities investigate the circumstances. The confirmation of his passing came after a medical response that aimed to stabilize the candidate and assess his injuries in the moments following the attack.
Authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the incident, focusing on the security measures at the rally site and the gate area to rule out the possibility of explosives or additional threats. Law enforcement agencies are reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and coordinating with local security teams to piece together the sequence of events and identify those responsible for the attack. The investigation has intensified scrutiny on how campaign events are protected and what steps can be taken to prevent future violence during the campaign trail [Primicias].
Eyewitness accounts cited by Primicias describe the assailant as a man using a pistol described as compact and easily concealed. Some witnesses mentioned a figure described as shorter, adding to the confusion that often accompanies fast-moving, high-stress incidents. Security forces are compiling witness testimonies while authorities warn the public to await official updates as the probe continues and political leaders respond with calls for unity and a clear-eyed assessment of the risks facing candidates and supporters alike.