'Please don't shoot': Masked gunmen storm Ecuadorian TV studio during live broadcast

Masked gunmen stormed the TC television studio, creating chaos and threatening violence against security forces and civilians during a live broadcast. Visuals depict employees forced to the floor, with screams and pleas for mercy audible as the live broadcast persisted amid the attackers' threats.

Approximately 30 minutes later, police intervened, arresting 13 gunmen and recovering weapons. The incident follows heightened security measures due to a recent prison escape by a notorious criminal boss. In response to the President's action, gangsters also kidnap police officers.

This comes as Ecuadoran President Daniel Noboa declared a state of emergency for 60 days after a recent prison escape by one of Ecuador's most powerful criminal bosses - Adolfo Macias, alias Fito. On Tuesday, Naboa also ordered the armed forces to carry out military operations to neutralise the armed men.

In response to the President's action, gangsters also kidnapped police officers and set off explosives in several cities. In one of the videos, the gunmen can be seen forcing an officer to read a statement at gunpoint. “You declared war, you will get war. You declared a state of emergency. We declare police, civilians, and soldiers to be the spoils of war. Anyone found on the street after 11 pm will be executed,” the terrified officer read.

Que pena todo lo que esta pasando con los hermanos del canal tc televisión, Dios los cuide pic.twitter.com/behRNVacSz

— Emergencias Ec (@EmergenciasEc) January 9, 2024