Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa Survives Apparent Assassination Attempt Amid Rising Protests

Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa narrowly escaped injury after his convoy was attacked by protesters in the rural town of El Tambo on Tuesday, in what the government described as an assassination attempt. Video footage showed demonstrators hurling rocks at the presidential convoy, shattering windows as vehicles sped away. Officials later reported bullet damage on Noboa’s car, confirming the seriousness of the incident.

Defense Minister Gian Carlo Loffredo condemned the attack, calling it “a clear act of terrorism against the president,” and announced that five suspects were detained. Authorities are conducting a forensic analysis of Noboa’s vehicle to determine whether it was fired upon.

The attack occurred amid escalating unrest over Noboa’s decision to end diesel subsidies, a move that sparked nationwide protests since mid-September. The president defended the policy, stating that the $1.1 billion saved will be redirected to social welfare programs. In response to the growing turmoil, Noboa declared a 60-day state of emergency across 10 provinces, authorizing military deployment to maintain order.

The Indigenous federation CONAIE, which has led the protests, accused the government of provoking violence and claimed police used excessive force against peaceful demonstrators, including elderly women. The group called the detentions “arbitrary” and released videos on social media showing police apprehending protesters.

Ecuador’s political and security crisis has deepened in recent months. The nation reported a 40% surge in homicides this year, with over 5,000 deaths linked to organized crime. Past attempts to remove fuel subsidies have triggered similar uprisings, underscoring the public’s economic frustrations.

Interior Minister John Reimberg said authorities will pursue all those responsible for the attack, adding, “The world witnessed what happened. Those who caused this chaos will face justice.”