In a shocking incident in Panama, a 77-year-old American lawyer, Kenneth Darlington, was arrested after he shot and killed two environmental protesters.
The confrontation occurred on the Pan-American Highway, where the protesters had set up a blockade that reportedly caused significant economic disruption.
According to CNN, the incident, captured on video, shows Darlington in a heated exchange with the protesters before he fires at them at point-blank range. The video has since gone viral.
(We have made an editorial decision not to feature the video in this article due to the graphic content that may be disturbing.)
The protests were part of a larger movement against a mining contract extension for Canada-based First Quantum Minerals. The violence unfolded during the third week of demonstrations, which have had widespread effects, including school closures across the nation.
President Laurentino Cortizo of Panama expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased, emphasizing that such violence is unacceptable in Panamanian society.
Darlington, who holds dual citizenship in the US and Panama, is now facing the consequences of his actions as the incident continues to draw international attention.
