Ecuador President Noboa survives alleged assassination attempt

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa escaped unhurt after his convoy was attacked by a large crowd hurling rocks on Tuesday, in what authorities have described as an attempted assassination. Environment and Energy Minister Inés Manzano reported that the president’s vehicle bore possible bullet damage and confirmed that five individuals had been detained following the incident, which occurred amid protests over the government’s recent decision to abolish fuel subsidies.

According to Manzano, around 500 demonstrators surrounded the motorcade and began throwing stones as Noboa traveled through Cañar Province. She later submitted a formal complaint to prosecutors, calling the assault a criminal act against the state. “Attacking the president’s car and damaging national property cannot be tolerated,” she said. The presidency stated that those detained would face prosecution under terrorism and attempted murder charges.

Footage released by government officials showed crowds throwing stones while cracks appeared on the vehicle’s windows. Although reports mentioned signs resembling bullet impacts, this claim remains unconfirmed. Defense Minister Gian Carlo Loffredo later shared an image of Noboa standing beside the damaged car, remarking that the president’s resilience symbolized Ecuador’s determination to move forward.

Speaking hours later at an event in Cuenca, Noboa condemned the violence, urging citizens not to copy “those who tried to stop us” and emphasizing that all offenders would be held accountable under the law.

The Indigenous federation CONAIE, however, accused security forces of using excessive force against peaceful protesters during Noboa’s arrival, claiming that several demonstrators, including elderly women, were detained violently. The group has led nationwide strikes for over two weeks, demanding the reinstatement of diesel subsidies, which they argue are vital for low income and rural citizens.

Noboa’s administration maintains that ending the subsidy will save $1.1 billion annually, with those funds redirected to support small farmers and transport workers. The attack was condemned by governments in Costa Rica, Honduras, and Panama.