Anti-corruption presidential candidate assassinated at campaign event in Ecuador’s capital

Ecuadorian presidential contender Fernando Villavicencio was shot dead Wednesday by an unidentified shooter, with footage appearing to show the opposition candidate getting into a pickup truck before gunfire erupted.

Villavicencio’s assassination outside a campaign rally in the country’s capital of Quito was confirmed by President Guillermo Lasso, who alleged organized crime was behind the slaying.

“I assure you that this crime will not go unpunished,” he said in a statement. “Organized crime has gone too far, but they will feel the full weight of the law.”

The slain presidential hopeful was a married father of five was 59.

Harrowing footage posted on social media appears to show Villavicencio walking outside following the rally with at least three guards as bystanders surrounded him.