77-year-old Kenneth Darlington Arrested for Alleged Shooting of Iván Rodríguez and Abdiel Díaz in Panama Protests

Accident – Death – Obituary News : In a startling and unexpected twist of events, Panamanian authorities have apprehended 77-year-old Kenneth Darlington, a dual American citizen, on charges of allegedly shooting two individuals during protests against a controversial government mining contract. The incident transpired in the Chame district, located west of Panama City, resulting in the immediate arrest of Darlington on Tuesday.

The victims, identified as 62-year-old Iván Rodríguez and Abdiel Díaz, tragically sustained fatal injuries during a confrontation with protesters who had erected roadblocks. Reports indicate that the suspect, who was captured in a now-deleted social media post donning glasses and a gray shirt, was subsequently restrained by the National Police, handcuffing him to a pipe.

Video footage, circulating on various social media platforms, captured the alleged assailant removing a tire from a road blockade before discharging a firearm. Authorities swiftly took him into custody shortly after the incident. Due to the sensitive nature of the visuals, WION is unable to embed them in this report.

Who is Kenneth Darlington?

Kenneth Darlington, a lawyer and professor, holds the distinction of possessing dual citizenship in both the United States and Panama. With his arrest, he now finds himself at the epicenter of a case that has sent shockwaves reverberating throughout both nations. Panamanian President Laurentino Cortizo expressed his condolences to the grieving families of the victims.

This tragic event unfolded amidst ongoing protests that have severely disrupted daily life in Panama, resulting in substantial economic losses. Demonstrators have erected roadblocks, leading to financial setbacks for businesses, with estimates suggesting up to $80 million in losses per day. Additionally, nationwide school closures have persisted for over a week, further exacerbating the impact of the protests.

Initially, the Panamanian government contemplated legislation to nullify the contentious mining contract in response to the widespread demonstrations. However, it later reversed its decision, causing further discontent among protesters.

This incident follows another tragic occurrence on November 1, when a protestor lost their life after being struck by a vehicle during a demonstration in the western region of the country. The vehicle was allegedly driven by a foreign citizen attempting to navigate through a roadblock. As authorities grapple with the aftermath of these distressing events, tensions remain high in Panama.

(Inputs from agencies).