Ecuador presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio shot in the head and killed in Quito - Marca English

Shocking news out of Ecuador. The right-wing candidate for the Presidency of Ecuador, Fernando Villavicencio, has been assassinated.

According to information provided by reporters in the South American country, the candidate was killed during a political rally in the capital Quito, on Wednesday, August 9.

Attacked happened outside a school

News outlets report that the politician was attacked when he got in a car after finishing a rally at a local school in Quito. The candidategot shot three times in the head and was taken to a nearby clinic but he was declared dead on arrival.

Villavicencio was heading the campaign for "Movimiento Contstruye" focused on tackling corruption in the country. His campaign motto was "It's time for the brave".

The 59-year-old was currently in fourth place in the election polls. Seven other candidates are vying to succeed President Guillermo Lasso.

After news of Villavicencio's death was confirmed President Lasso released a statement on X where he promised to bring to justice whoever was behind the attack against his close collaborator:

"Outraged and shocked by the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio. My solidarity and condolences to his wife and daughters. For his memory and for his struggle, I assure you that this crime will not go unpunished" read the President's statement.

Lasso also called for an emergency meeting with his security cabinet to discuss the event and went on to say that "Organized crime has gone too far, but the full weight of the law will be applied to them."

Videos of the attack go viral

Videos, like these ones, where shots can be heard and people are seen scrambling for saftey, have surfaced on social media detailing the moment of the candidate's attack.

Although no graphic content can be seen, we warn readers it could be triggering to some:

Another video of the incident shows people still inside the school taking cover while the shots that killed the politician can be heard outside:

Ecuador is set to hold its presidential election less than two weeks from today on Sunday, August 20.

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2023-08-10 00:58:00Z