Dominican Republic: Police detain suspect in shooting at the Ministry of the Environment in Santo Domingo, June 6 /update 2

Event

Police have taken a lone suspect into custody in the June 6 shooting at the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources in Santo Domingo. The gunman, who assassinated Minister Orlando Jorge Mera inside his office, barricaded himself and a hostage in another room for several hours until a special police unit was able to intervene. Despite initial reports of additional persons having been injured in the incident, authorities have not confirmed any casualties other than Minister Mera. While the motive for the killing as yet remains unclear, investigators have determined that the shooter was a long-time friend of the minister.

Lingering disruptions are likely around the Ministry of the Environment for several hours.

Advice

Allow additional time to reach destinations near the Ministry of the Environment into at least the mid-evening of June 6. Heed the instructions of authorities.