One of the suspects tied to the assassination of Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio sustained injuries during the arrest, according to TASS reporting sourced from the country’s Attorney General’s Office. The incident unfolded as authorities moved the suspect to the Quito prosecutor’s office, where his condition was described as serious. An ambulance arrived at the scene and later confirmed that the man had died. In the same attack on Villavicencio, at least nine people were wounded, underscoring the violence that surrounded the incident.
Officials confirmed that nine individuals were injured so far, including a candidate for the National Assembly and two police officers, the office stated. The updates emphasize the broad impact of the assault and the ongoing danger faced by those in the affected area as investigators work to determine the full sequence of events and identify all involved parties.
Earlier reports from the Ecuavisa television channel indicated that police had captured two suspects in connection with the killing of the Ecuadorian presidential candidate. The channel also noted that three gunmen opened fire on Villavicencio during the rally, an account that remains under investigation as authorities review security footage and collect witness statements.
On August 10, Ecuadorian security forces were grappling with the fallout after Villavicencio was fatally shot while addressing supporters at a campaign rally in Quito. The event prompted renewed focus on security for political figures and the measures in place to protect participants at public gatherings across the country.
In other regional news, reports from Niger referenced the safety concerns of former President Bazum and his wife, who reportedly delayed their own safety steps amid unfolding political tensions in the region. The situation has prompted international observers to monitor the stability of governance in West Africa as regional authorities review protective measures for high-profile figures.