Tragic Incident in Ecuador: Youngest Mayor Fatally Shot, Confirms Police
A heartbreaking incident unfolded in Ecuador as 27-year-old Brigitte García, the country's youngest mayor, was tragically found shot dead on a Sunday morning, as confirmed by the national police.
Ecuador's youngest mayor, 27-year-old Brigitte García, was tragically discovered shot dead on Sunday morning, as confirmed by the country's national police.
In an official statement shared on X, the police mentioned that García, who served as the mayor of San Vicente, a small coastal city, was found in a rental car with her communications director, Jairo Loor, who also lost his life due to a gunshot wound. According to initial investigations, the shots were believed to have been fired from inside the car.
Police are currently conducting further investigations, as stated by authorities. The Ecuadorian Ministry of Government described the incident as a "criminal action" in a statement released on Sunday. They also mentioned the country's ongoing efforts in combating terrorism, organized crime, and political corruption. However, no specific individual or group has been accused of the killings.
The ministry expressed solidarity with the families of the victims and emphasized their determination to ensure that those responsible for the crimes face justice. They affirmed their commitment to utilize all the resources of the State to ensure that these heinous acts do not go unpunished.
Garcia was recognized as the youngest mayor in the country based on her X profile. Former Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa expressed his disbelief on social media, stating, "enough!"
Correa shared a photo of himself embracing Garcia, exclaiming, "My God! Brigitte! She was the youngest mayor of the country."
A memorial for García is planned for Monday afternoon, according to the San Vicente municipality. Her burial is scheduled for Tuesday.
Ecuadorian police and people gather at the scene where Ecuador's youngest mayor, Brigitte Garcia was found shot dead in a car, according to the police, near San Vicente, Ecuador, in this handout image released on March 24, 2024.
Ecuador's youngest mayor, Brigitte Garcia, was tragically discovered shot dead in a car near San Vicente, Ecuador. The Ecuadorian police and local residents gathered at the scene to investigate the incident. A handout image released on March 24, 2024, captured the somber moment. The National Police of Ecuador shared the image to raise awareness of the unfortunate event.
Ecuador is facing a rise in violence caused by armed gangs. In January, a state of emergency was declared after the escape of gang leader José Adolfo Macías, also known as ‘Fito’, in Guayaquil. President Daniel Noboa announced an “internal armed conflict” and authorized the armed forces to conduct “military operations to neutralize” violence nationwide. Within less than two weeks of the declaration, over 2,000 individuals were detained, according to the president’s office.
The military guard the outer perimeter of Guayaquil's prison complex, the biggest in the country.
The military guard the outer perimeter of Guayaquil's prison complex, the biggest in the country.
Sean Walker/CNN
Related article
Terror dominates the streets of Ecuador as gangs, gunmen, and cartels wreak havoc. Even the armed forces are not immune to the fear that grips the country.
Last year, García was elected as a member of the left-wing Citizen Revolution Party, which is closely aligned with Correa, the former president.
According to her social media feed, she had worked in recent weeks to help bring clean drinking water to San Vicente, meeting recently with the country’s development bank on the project.
Editor's P/S:
The tragic murder of Ecuador's youngest mayor, Brigitte García, and her communications director, Jairo Loor, has sent shockwaves through the nation. The circumstances surrounding their deaths remain shrouded in mystery, with investigations ongoing. The motive for the killings is yet unknown, but the incident highlights the escalating violence and political instability in Ecuador.
García's death is a testament to the growing threats facing elected officials in the country. The rise of armed gangs and organized crime has created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. The government's declaration of a state of emergency and deployment of military forces in response to the escape of a gang leader underscores the severity of the situation. It is crucial for the authorities to address the underlying causes of violence and corruption to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens. sobering wake-up call for the country as a whole. It is imperative that those responsible for her murder are brought to justice, and that Ecuador's government and citizens work collectively to address the underlying causes of violence that have taken such a tragic toll on the nation.
