Quito - Fernando Villavicencio, a prominent Ecuadorian presidential candidate, met a tragic end as he was fatally shot leaving a campaign event in Quito. This shocking assassination occurred mere days prior to a crucial election, casting a somber shadow over the nation's concerns about rising violence and crime rates.

Graphic videos shared on social media captured the horrifying moment. Surrounded by supporters and accompanied by security guards, Fernando Villavicencio, known for his journalistic work with The Guardian, was making his way to a waiting vehicle when sudden gunshots shattered the air. The scene quickly descended into chaos as screams echoed and people sought shelter.

Ecuador's President, Guillermo Lasso, reacted with a mixture of shock and outrage. He swiftly called for a meeting of the security cabinet and pledged that justice would be served for this heinous crime. A suspect involved in the assassination succumbed to injuries sustained during a subsequent confrontation, while six individuals were apprehended in connection with the attack.

Villavicencio's uncle, Galo Valencia, laid blame on the state for not providing sufficient security measures. He vividly described the shocking moment when the festive atmosphere turned into a scene of horror, as gunshots initially thought to be fireworks reverberated. The aftermath was a chilling sight of casualties and injured individuals.

Tragically, this assassination unfolded against the backdrop of an alarming surge in violent crime across Ecuador. Drug trafficking gangs have plunged the country into turmoil, causing prison massacres and driving up murder rates, which have more than doubled between 2020 and 2022. President Lasso vowed to confront organized crime with the full weight of the law, emphasizing that their actions would not go unpunished.

Fernando Villavicencio, aged 59, was among the contenders in the upcoming early elections scheduled for August 20. The shocking event underscores the vulnerabilities of political figures and underscores the urgent need to address the country's security crisis. As Ecuadorians grapple with the loss of a key voice and leader, the aftermath of this tragic event will undoubtedly shape the nation's path forward.