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Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa observed during a joint press conference with Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (not pictured) at Planalto Palace in Brasilia, Brazil, on August 18, 2025. — Reuters
- The energy minister describes it as an attempted assassination.
- Signs of gunfire damage spotted on Noboa’s vehicle, she reports.
- Indigenous federation condemns police brutality.
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa’s convoy was encircled by a mob estimated at around 500 people throwing rocks as he neared an event in Canar province. The top government official revealed that the president’s car showed apparent bullet wounds.
Environment and Energy Minister Ines Manzano articulated that a formal report has been filed accusing the incident of attempted murder. Fortunately, Noboa was unharmed, and authorities have detained five individuals.
The president’s office states those detained will face charges of terrorism and attempted assassination. Reuters has not independently verified whether gunfire occurred during protests over the fuel subsidy cuts.
Later, in Cuenca, about 77 km south of the attack site, Noboa addressed students, emphasizing that his administration would not tolerate violence.
“Please do not emulate those who aimed to prevent us from attending this event or who sought to attack us,” he stated. “Such acts are unacceptable, and the law applies equally to everyone in the new Ecuador.”
“Attacking the president’s vehicle, throwing stones, destroying public property—these are criminal acts,” added Manzano after briefing prosecutors. “We will take action against them.”
However, the CONAIE indigenous federation reported that organized violence emerged against individuals mobilizing for Noboa’s arrival, with elderly women among those attacked in what they describe as brutal police and military engagement.
“At least five of us have been arbitrarily detained,” they announced via X (formerly Twitter), sharing footage of a woman in traditional clothing being forcibly taken by four heavily armed police officers.
Protests Continue Against the Decree
CONAIE initiated a strike 16 days ago, organizing marches and blocking roads to oppose the government’s decision to end diesel subsidies. Critics argue that the move could hike living costs, especially impacting small farmers and indigenous communities.
President Noboa signed the decree mid-September, and the government declared emergency measures in several provinces to restore order.
The government defends ending the subsidy, claiming it will save approximately $1.1 billion annually, funds already being redistributed through aid to small farmers and transport workers.
Re-elected in April, Noboa often grants emergency powers to security forces to maintain public safety.
Defense Minister Gian Carlo Loffredo shared a photo of Noboa, 37, standing outside his damaged vehicle wearing sunglasses.
“Nothing will stop this president—it’s a sign that the country won’t be stopped either,” he remarked.
A video from within a vehicle shows rocks being pelted at the roadside and cracks on the car’s window. An additional image depicts a vehicle with shattered windows and a severely cracked windshield.
A march protesting Noboa’s administration is scheduled for later Tuesday evening in Quito, starting at 6 pm local time (11 pm GMT).
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