In a shocking display of unnecessary violence, Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio was shot dead.
Texas Representative Joaquin Castro (D) took to social media to express his feelings on the assassination.
“I am horrified and saddened by the assassination of Fernando Villavicencio, a candidate for the presidency in Ecuador. The United States stands ready to support a swift and full investigation to bring those responsible to justice and prevent further violence,” said Rep. Castro.
I am horrified and saddened by the assassination of Fernando Villavicencio, a candidate for the presidency in Ecuador. The United States stands ready to support a swift and full investigation to bring those responsible to justice and prevent further violence. https://t.co/bCG7wnJ3cR
— Joaquin Castro (@JoaquinCastrotx) August 10, 2023
Fellow Texas Representative, Veronica Escobar (D), similarly shared her desire for justice in the wake of the tragic murder.
“Terrible, tragic news coming from Ecuador,” said Rep. Escobar.
The Texas congresswoman quoted a New York Times article as she attempted to bring awareness to the growing safety concerns of the South American nation.
“‘Ecuador, once a relatively safe nation, has been consumed by violence related to narco-trafficking in the last five years.’”
”’Ecuador must bring every conspirator involved in this murder to justice.’”
So far, six foreign nationals have been arrested in connection with the assassination. After an exchange of gunfire with the local officers, the alleged shooter died in police custody.
The 59-year-old candidate was outspoken against the growing violence and drug trafficking in Ecuador.
Despite not producing cocaine, the country sits between two major producers of the drug, Peru and Colombia.
Overnight raids conducted in the Andrean country found weapons including a machine gun, a rifle and two magazines, four pistols, four boxes of ammunition, three grenades, a stolen vehicle and two motorcycles.
The violence has shocked many around the world, with many vowing to help stop the turmoil in the country.
In other news, Texas Representatives Sylvia Garcia (D), Joaquin Castro and Roland Gutierrez (D) recently visited the border to view the “inhumane” tactics deployed by the Abbott administration.
Rep. Garcia lamented the dangerous tactics used by the Abbott administration.
“I’m here at Heavenly Farms with @JoaquinCastrotx as we witnessed the razor wires and buoys that has been implemented by @GovAbbott. This inhumane, barbaric, and ungodly! We need to act now before lives are lost.”
