Peruvian presidential candidate attacked by gunfire

By Laura Gamba

BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - The Peruvian presidential candidate for the Libertad Popular party, Rafael Belaunde, survived an armed attack while traveling by car through the district of Cerro Azul in the province of Canete on Tuesday.

Images of his vehicle show at least three bullet holes impacting the driver's side windshield. The candidate was reportedly en route to the area to supervise and monitor a business he operates regularly in Cerro Azul.

Despite the assault, Belaunde was unharmed and immediately proceeded to the local police station to formally file a report.

Police Commander General Oscar Arriola later reported that authorities were still investigating whether Belaunde's driver sustained any injuries from the gunfire.

According to the pre-candidate's statement, he had not received any prior threats, extortion attempts, or blackmail before the incident occurred.

The Peruvian National Police (PNP) quickly responded to the incident, announcing on its official account on US social media company X that it had activated a "Plan Cerco" to secure the area and apprehend the perpetrators. The PNP confirmed that no injuries were reported and that units were deployed to the scene to ensure security.

Former president of the Council of Ministers, Pedro Cateriano, publicly condemned the event and underscored the severe risk posed by an assassination attempt on a presidential candidate.

"It's a terrible start to the campaign," Cateriano said, lamenting the country's climate of insecurity. "We Peruvians are well aware of the impact of violence. We are experiencing a period of very active crime, and this attack on Rafael Belaúnde must be firmly rejected."

Authorities have officially launched an investigation to determine the exact motive behind the attack. They are working to establish whether the gunfire was related to Belaunde's political activities, his business interests, or if it was simply a failed robbery attempt.