Ecuador Presidential Candidate Assassinated During Rally

In a shocking turn of events, Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villafuerte was tragically assassinated during an electoral gathering in the capital city of Quito. 

Local media outlets reported the distressing incident on Thursday, revealing that Villafuerte was fatally shot while a number of other individuals sustained injuries.

The local publication "El Universo" reported that the candidate was shot three times in the head, and a close friend of Villafuerte confirmed his untimely demise. 

A member of his campaign team revealed to local media that Villafuerte was about to enter his car when an assailant emerged and fired shots at his head.

Ecuador's current President, Guillermo Lasso, also confirmed Villafuerte's death through his social media channels. 

The incident resulted in injuries to eight other individuals during the gathering. Seven of the injured were promptly transported to the hospital, according to the official report.

Tragically, Villafuerte had not garnered a sufficient number of electoral votes to secure victory in the upcoming Ecuadorian presidential elections scheduled for August 20th.