Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa narrowly escaped injury after his motorcade was attacked by protesters on Tuesday. The assault, described by Environment and Energy Minister Ines Manzano as an assassination attempt, occurred during a large demonstration against Noboa’s controversial decision to end fuel subsidies. According to officials, around 500 protesters threw rocks at the president’s vehicle, leaving visible damage, including what authorities suspect may be bullet marks. Five people have been detained and face charges of terrorism and attempted assassination.
The protest erupted over the government’s recent economic reforms, particularly the removal of diesel subsidies announced in mid-September. The move, part of Noboa’s effort to reallocate approximately $1.1 billion annually toward compensation for small-scale farmers and transport workers, has sparked nationwide outrage. Demonstrations organized by the Indigenous federation CONAIE have continued for more than two weeks, involving road blockades and strikes across several provinces.
Following the attack, Noboa addressed students in Cuenca, emphasizing that violence and lawlessness would not be tolerated. “Do not follow the bad example of those who tried to stop us,” he said. “Such attacks will not be accepted in the new Ecuador, and the law applies to everyone.” Defense Minister Gian Carlo Loffredo later posted a photo of the president beside his damaged vehicle, praising Noboa’s resilience.
Videos released by the presidency show rocks pelting the motorcade and cracked windshields, while international leaders from Costa Rica, Honduras, and Panama condemned the attack. Meanwhile, CONAIE accused security forces of excessive violence against peaceful demonstrators, claiming arbitrary detentions and mistreatment of Indigenous women.
As Ecuador grapples with mounting unrest, Noboa’s government continues to enforce emergency measures in several regions, asserting that economic reform and national security will remain its top priorities.