In a tragic turn of events, Brigitte García, Ecuador’s youngest mayor and a member of the Citizen Revolution Party, was found shot to death in a vehicle along with her press officer, Jairo Loor. The shocking incident has left the nation reeling as the police investigate the motive behind the shooting.
Authorities have revealed that the shots were fired from inside the vehicle, adding a layer of mystery to the case. Luisa Gonzalez, another member of the Citizen Revolution Party, has labeled García’s death as an assassination, emphasizing that no one is safe in Ecuador.
This unfortunate event comes at a time when Ecuador is grappling with a surge in gang violence, prompting President Daniel Noboa to declare a nationwide state of emergency. In a bid to maintain order and reduce homicides, Noboa has extended the emergency order by an additional 30 days.
The escalating violence has also raised concerns for the safety of foreigners in the country, with the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Ecuador advising American citizens to exercise increased caution. Areas marked as ‘Level 3’ or ‘Level 4’ in the advisory are particularly highlighted as potential hotspots for danger.
Tragically, three U.S. citizens have already been murdered in Ecuador in 2022, underscoring the risks faced by foreigners amidst the ongoing conflict. As investigations into García’s death continue, the nation remains on edge, grappling with the aftermath of this senseless act of violence.