San Vicente, Ecuador – Ecuador’s youngest mayor, Brigitte Garcia, along with her press officer, Jairo Loor, were tragically found shot to death in a vehicle on Sunday amidst a state of emergency. The 27-year-old mayor, a member of the left-wing Citizen Revolution Party, was discovered by Ecuadorian police that morning with fatal gunshot wounds. The police are currently working to determine the motive behind the shooting, with preliminary findings suggesting that the shots were fired from inside the vehicle.
García’s untimely death comes during a period of heightened tensions in Ecuador, following President Daniel Noboa’s declaration of a nationwide state of emergency in January. The country has been grappling with escalating gang violence, exacerbated by the escape of alleged gang leader Adolfo “Fito” Macías. Macías, the leader of the “Los Choneros” gang, has been linked to car bombings, kidnappings, and murders, according to reports.
The ongoing state of emergency, which has been extended by Noboa for an additional 30 days, has seen a significant decrease in intentional homicides in the country. The government has conducted over 15,000 operations, leading to the arrest of 1,534 individuals and the death of five “terrorists.” The increased police presence and security measures aim to restore order and reduce violence in Ecuador.
The tragic death of Mayor Garcia has sent shockwaves through the Citizen Revolution Party, with fellow member Luisa Gonzalez condemning the assassination. The party, led by former President Rafael Correa, has been a vocal critic of the government’s handling of the security crisis in Ecuador. Gonzalez expressed concerns over the safety of individuals in the country, highlighting the pervasive sense of insecurity among Ecuadorians.
As Ecuador continues to grapple with gang violence and political turmoil, the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Ecuador have issued a warning to American citizens traveling in the country. The advisory urges travelers to exercise caution and adhere to local laws, particularly in areas marked as high-risk. Despite increased security measures, the threat of crime in Ecuador remains a pressing issue for both residents and visitors alike.