San Vicente, Ecuador – Ecuador’s youngest mayor, Brigitte García, and her press officer were tragically discovered shot to death in a vehicle on Sunday amidst a state of emergency in the country. The 27-year-old mayor, a member of the left-wing Citizen Revolution Party, was found alongside her advisor, Jairo Loor, by Ecuadorian police. Authorities found the pair in the vehicle in the morning with gunshot wounds and no signs of life.
Police are currently investigating the motive behind the shooting, following initial findings that the shots were fired from inside the vehicle. The car, believed to be rented, is being analyzed by investigators to determine its route. The tragic event has left the community in shock, raising concerns about safety in Ecuador.
Luisa Gonzalez, a fellow member of the Citizen Revolution Party, condemned García’s death as an assassination, emphasizing the lack of security in Ecuador. President Daniel Noboa had previously declared a state of emergency in the country due to escalating violence linked to gang activity, particularly after the escape of a notorious gang leader known as “Fito” Macías.
The government’s efforts to address the crisis include designating 22 gangs as terrorist groups and carrying out extensive operations to combat crime. President Noboa recently extended the state of emergency for an additional 30 days to maintain order and reduce homicides. The measures have led to a significant decrease in intentional homicides, but challenges remain in ensuring the safety of citizens.
In light of these developments, the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Ecuador have issued a travel advisory for American citizens, urging them to exercise caution and comply with local regulations. The advisory highlights the risks posed by the ongoing conflict and emphasizes the importance of vigilance while traveling in the country. Additionally, citizens are warned about the potential for opportunistic crimes amidst the current security situation.
The tragic loss of Mayor Brigitte García underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the root causes of violence in Ecuador. As investigations continue into her death, the community mourns the loss of a young leader and calls for justice and improved safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.