Current:Home > MarketsEcuador prosecutor investigating TV studio attack shot dead in his vehicle, attorney general says-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
Ecuador prosecutor investigating TV studio attack shot dead in his vehicle, attorney general says
View Date:2024-12-23 23:12:27
A prosecutor investigating the dramatic live-broadcast armed assault last week on an Ecuadoran television station was shot dead Wednesday, the country's attorney general said.
"In the face of the murder of our colleague Cesar Suarez... I am going to be emphatic: organized crime groups, criminals, terrorists will not stop our commitment to Ecuadoran society," Attorney General Diana Salazar said in a statement on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
Local media broadcast images of Suarez's truck with bullet holes through the driver's window on a street in the port city of Guayaquil, the nerve center of Ecuador's war against narco gangs.
The murder comes amid a surge in violence in the once-peaceful South American country, which has become a hub for the global export of cocaine from neighboring Colombia and Peru.
The government last week declared war on powerful drug gangs, who in turn threatened to execute civilians and security forces and carried out a wave of attacks that have left about 20 people dead.
President Daniel Noboa in turn deployed to the streets over 22,000 security forces, who have frisked and stripped down young men in search of the tattoos identifying them as a member of one of the gangs.
Last Tuesday, hooded gunmen burst into a TV studio, firing shots and forcing terrified staff to the ground in an incident broadcast live for about 30 minutes until police arrived on set.
Thirteen assailants were arrested, many of them teenagers.
A prosecution source told AFP Suarez had been in charge of determining which criminal group was behind that attack.
Salazar wrote on social media that it was "impossible" not to be affected by the death of her colleague.
"Thank you for your work, César. Rest in peace. My solidarity with his family and friends," she wrote.
- In:
- Ecuador
veryGood! (1)
Related
- Jimmy Kimmel, more late-night hosts 'shocked' by Trump Cabinet picks: 'Goblins and weirdos'
- Beyoncé announces new album 'Renaissance: Act II' after surprise Super Bowl ad
- Bob's Red Mill founder, Bob Moore, dies at 94
- Peter Schrager's incredible streak of picking Super Bowl champions lives on with Chiefs win
- After entire police force resigns in small Oklahoma town, chief blames leaders, budget cuts
- Maine native completes hike of American Discovery Trail, becoming first woman to do it solo
- Super PAC supporting RFK Jr. airs $7 million ad during Super Bowl
- Smoking in cars with kids is banned in 11 states, and West Virginia could be next
- Isiah Pacheco injury updates: When will Chiefs RB return?
- Republican effort to restore abortion rights in Missouri folds
Ranking
- Tua Tagovailoa tackle: Dolphins QB laughs off taking knee to head vs. Rams on 'MNF'
- Woman slain by officers after opening fire in Osteen megachurch in Houston; child critical
- Kyle Shanahan relives his Super Bowl nightmare as 49ers collapse yet again
- Can candy be a healthy Valentine's Day snack? Experts share how to have a healthy holiday.
- Denzel Washington Will Star in Black Panther 3 Before Retirement
- Super PAC supporting RFK Jr. airs $7 million ad during Super Bowl
- Where is the next Super Bowl? New Orleans set to host Super Bowl 59 in 2025
- Pakistan election results show jailed former PM Imran Khan's backers heading for an election upset
Recommendation
-
Rare Alo Yoga Flash Sale: Don’t Miss 60% Off Deals With Styles as Low as $5
-
You can't escape taxes even in death. What to know about estate and inheritance taxes.
-
California Isn’t Ready for a Megaflood. Or the Loss of Daniel Swain.
-
Waymo driverless car set ablaze in San Francisco: 'Putting out some rage'
-
FanDuel Sports Network regional channels will be available as add-on subscription on Prime Video
-
Still looking for a valentine? One of these 8 most popular dating platforms could help
-
Baby girl OK after being placed in ‘safe haven’ box at Missouri fire station
-
Super Bowl 58 bets gone wrong: From scoreless Travis Kelce to mistake-free Brock Purdy