2023 Panama coal-protest shooting

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2023 Panama coal-protest shooting
Location
Date
Attack type	shooting
Deaths	2 (protestors)
Non-fatal injuries	0
Perpetrator	Kenneth Darlington

The 2023 Panama coal-protest shooting occurred on November 7, 2023, in Panama City, Florida. In the shooting, a motorist, Kenneth Darlington, fatally shot two protestors blocking the road.

Background

Ongoing demonstrations, spanning a duration of three weeks, were centered on opposition to the Panamanian government's accord with a Canadian mining company, First Quantum Minerals, allowing the continued operation of Central America's largest open-pit copper mine for a minimum of 20 years. The agreement further includes an option for a potential extension of an additional 20 years.

The government contends that the newly negotiated contract provides more favorable terms compared to its predecessor, anticipating an annual revenue of $375 million from the mining operation. Executed on October 20, the contract was subsequently ratified into law by the Panamanian government. However, protestors assert that the mine's location in a biodiverse jungle, deemed "environmentally sensitive," raises significant concerns.

Copper extraction holds economic appeal for the government, given its increasing demand in the burgeoning electric car market. Nonetheless, demonstrators argue that the mining activities pose a threat to drinking water contamination and could result in substantial harm to the designated 5,900 acres of land.

Authorities had called for an end to the protests, but the demonstrators, comprising construction workers and teacher unions, remained resolute at thr time of the shooting in their commitment to continue their presence in the streets and on roads until the contested agreement is nullified. In response to the situation, the Panamanian government implemented a moratorium a week prior to the shooting on all forthcoming metal mining contracts. Additionally, President Cortizo has proposed a national referendum scheduled for December, seeking public input on the divisive mining deal.

Incident

“You want to be the first?” “This ends here.”

—Kenneth Darlington

The shooting took place on November 7, 2023 and consisted of protestors blocking the Pan-American Highway. Protests were against the re-opening of an open-pit copper mine. Motorist and 77 year old retired lawyer Kenneth Darlington shot at and killed two protestors blocking the road. Darlington was arrested on the scene and has appeared before a court judge on homicide charges.

Victims

Two people were killed. Both victims were teachers, Abdiel Díaz died at the scene and Iván Rodríguez, 62, was taken to a medical clinic but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Perpetrator

The shooter was identified as Kenneth Darlington, a 77-year-old resident of Punta Paitilla in Panama City. Believed to be a retired American lawyer and university professor, local sources suggest he was born in Colon, Panama, and holds US citizenship.

Reports indicate that Mr. Darlington served as a spokesperson for Marc Harris, a Panamanian accountant convicted in 2004 for money laundering and tax evasion, receiving a 17-year sentence.

In 2005, Mr. Darlington faced legal issues when various weapons, including an AK-47 and an M-16, were found in his Panama City apartment. However, he was later acquitted, convincing the court that the weapons were part of a collection.

Following the Panama shooting, Mr. Darlington has been charged with aggravated homicide against both victims and for illegal possession of firearms.

Reactions

• The President of Panama, President Cortizo, released a statement on Twitter:

  I express my condolences to the families of the two citizens who lost their lives in an incident that occurred this Tuesday in a sector of Panama Oeste. This is a fact that has no place in a society called to be supportive like ours.

  — Laurentino Cortizo, Panama President, X (Twitter)

References

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