Shocking: Dominican Republic's environment minister shot dead in office by childhood friend

According to officials, the Dominican Republic's minister of environment and natural resources was shot and assassinated in his office by a close personal acquaintance. Orlando Jorge Mera, 55, was in the middle of a discussion when the attack occurred. There were at least six shots fired.

A presidential spokeswoman identified the attacker as Miguel Cruz, a childhood friend of the minister. He is now in police custody. The reason for the shooting is unknown.

Jorge Mera's family stated in a statement that he was shot numerous times by a man he had known since boyhood.

"Our family forgives the perpetrator. One of Orlando's most enduring legacies was his refusal to keep grudges," they also said.

Jorge Mera had worked in the cabinet of current President Luis Abinader since his election in July 2020. President Abinader conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to Mr Jorge Mera's family in a tweet, saying he sincerely grieved the passing of his good friend.

On social media, Bartolomé Pujals, director of the government's cabinet for innovation, condemned his death as a tragedy and asked for peace.

Jorge Mera was a founding member of the ruling Modern Revolutionary Party and the son of former President Salvador Jorge-Blanco (PRM). Jorge Mera is survived by his wife, the Dominican ambassador to Brazil, and two sons, one of whom is also a PRM legislator.