Ecuador: President Daniel Noboa escapes unharmed from a shooting attack to his vehicle

The president of Ecuador, Daniel Noboa, escaped unharmed after an alleged gunfire attack against the vehicle in which he was traveling on Tuesday. The information was confirmed by the Minister of Environment and Energy.

"Five hundred people showed up and were throwing stones (at the caravan) and, obviously, there are also signs of bullets in the president's car," Minister Inés Manzano told the press and assured that the president got out safe and sound.

Videos released by the Presidency show the scene from inside one of the vehicles, when several objects crash against the windows and someone shouts "keep your heads down."

Other images from outside show a group of demonstrators throwing stones and sticks as the convoy advances amid the sound of sirens.

The convoy was attacked on its way to the Andean town of Cañar (south), where the president inaugurated a water treatment plant. Later, 70 kilometers from there, Noboa participated in a public event in Cuenca.

"These aggressions are not accepted in the new Ecuador. The law applies to everyone. We will not allow a few (some, ndlr) vandals to prevent us from working for you," said the president before the attendees in Cuenca.

Attack against democracy

OAS Secretary Albert Ramdin on Tuesday rejected the attack, which he called an "attack against democracy."

"I strongly condemn the attack," Ramdin said on the X network, adding that "these acts of violence constitute an attack against democracy, stability and the spirit of peaceful coexistence."

Meanwhile, Minister Manzano pointed out that the Government filed a complaint for "attempted murder" against Noboa with the Prosecutor's Office and that five people have been detained following the event, the suspects will be investigated for the crime of terrorism, punishable by up to 30 years in prison.