Dominican Republic Environment Minister Killed in Office (Photos)

The Dominican Republic’s environment minister was shot dead in his office by a close friend, the office of the president announced on Monday.

Authorities revealed that Orlando Jorge Mera was shot by Miguel Cruz, who has been detained, without providing any further details.

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“We express our deepest condolences,” the office of President Luis Abinader said.

Police and emergency officials swarmed the office of the environment and natural resources ministry in the capital of Santo Domingo and barred entry to it as mourners gathered nearby.

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“We are worried by the situation,” Mera’s ministry said in a brief statement.

Moreover, Bartolomé Pujals, executive director of the government’s cabinet of innovation, wrote that he lamented the killing.

“His death is a tragedy,” he said. “We Dominicans have to come together to achieve a pact for peace and peaceful coexistence. No more violence.”