Ecuador's youngest mayor, Brigitte García, aged 27, was tragically found dead Sunday morning, as confirmed by the national police.

García, mayor of San Vicente, a small coastal city, was discovered shot alongside her communications director, Jairo Loor, in what appears to be a rental car. Initial investigations suggest that the shots were fired from within the vehicle.

Further inquiries into the incident are currently underway, according to the police.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Ecuadorian Ministry of Government labeled the event as a "criminal action" and referenced the country's ongoing efforts against terrorism, organized crime, and political corruption, according to Reuters. However, no specific individuals or groups have been accused in connection with the killings.

The ministry expressed solidarity with the families of García and Loor, emphasizing the government's commitment to ensuring that such crimes do not go unpunished.

García, noted as Ecuador's youngest mayor, had garnered attention for her achievements.

Former Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa expressed shock and grief over her untimely death on social media, emphasizing her significant role in the political landscape.

A memorial for García is scheduled for Monday afternoon, with her burial planned for the following day, according to the San Vicente municipality.

Surge in Violence

Ecuador has been contending with a surge in violence attributed to armed gangs, prompting significant governmental action, CNN reports.

In January, the country declared a state of emergency following the escape of notorious gang leader José Adolfo Macías, also known as 'Fito,' from prison in Guayaquil.

President Daniel Noboa declared an "internal armed conflict" the following day, authorizing military operations to address the escalating violence.

Within less than two weeks of the decree, over 2,000 individuals were detained by the armed forces.

San Vicente Mayor Brigette García, a member of the left-wing Citizen Revolution Party aligned with former President Correa, was elected amid this tumultuous period. She had actively worked to address community issues, such as improving access to clean drinking water in San Vicente.

Continued Threats to Politicians

San Vicente Mayor Brigette García's tragic fate mirrors previous instances of violence targeting politicians in Ecuador's Manabí region, BBC noted.

In July, the mayor of Manta, Agustín Intriago, was fatally shot shortly after being re-elected.

Similarly, in February 2023, mayoral candidate Omar Menéndez was murdered just before polling began in Puerto López.

The violence has extended beyond Manabí, with presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio being gunned down in Quito in August. Prosecutors linked Villavicencio's murder to the Los Lobos criminal gang, who allegedly planned the attack from prison.

In response to the escalating violence, President Noboa declared a state of emergency, which has since been extended multiple times. The government claims to have conducted over 150,000 operations and detained more than 10,000 suspects since the declaration.

However, critics argue that García's murder underscores the need for stronger measures to ensure the safety of elected officials.

Former presidential candidate Luisa González highlighted the pervasive sense of insecurity in Ecuador, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive solutions.

The tragic death of Ecuador youngest Mayor Brigitte García sheds light on the ongoing challenges country faces regarding political violence and organized crime. As investigations continue, there are calls for enhanced measures to safeguard public officials and address the root causes of violence in the country.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

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