Former Bolivian President Evo Morales Survives Shooting Attack in Shinahota; Driver Wounded Amid MAS Party Tensions

Oct 27, 2024, 12:34 PM

Former Bolivian President Evo Morales survived an apparent assassination attempt on October 27, 2024, after his vehicle was fired upon in Shinahota, in the Tropico region of Cochabamba. Between 14 and 18 gunshots were directed at his car, injuring his driver. The area, spanning about five towns, is sealed off with no state presence. The incident occurs amid escalating political tensions and internal conflicts within the ruling Movement Towards Socialism (MAS) party between Morales and President Luis Arce's government. Supporters of Morales have organized road blockades and clashed with police in regions including Vinto and Cochabamba, protesting against government actions. Following the attack, Morales's supporters formed a human protective ring around the trade union office where he is staying, as the attacker remains at large. They are calling on the police to stop obeying the orders of President Arce's government.