The environment minister of the Dominican Republic was shot dead in his ministry on Monday. The perpetrator interrupted Orlando Jorge Mera’s weekly meeting with his deputy ministers and opened fire.
“We are appalled by what has happened,” the ministry said on Twitter, without providing details. Shortly after the shooting, police began a search of the building for the gunman. He would have entrenched himself with hostages, local media report.
The shooter’s motive is unclear. Reportedly, it concerns an employee of the minister who had access to secure parts of the building.
Mera, 55, was the son of former president Salvador Jorge Blanco.