PANAMA CITY, Panama – A tragic incident unfolded at a rural campus of the University of Panama when two gunmen opened fire on a group of students, resulting in the death of one student and injuring another before fleeing the scene, as reported by school officials and authorities.
University Rector Eduardo Flores Castro disclosed the devastating news, stating that the shooting occurred while agricultural sciences students were engaged in fieldwork at the university’s regional center in Veraguas, located approximately 155 miles southwest of the capital.
The deceased student was identified as 27-year-old Álvaro Leones, described as an exceptional member of the university community by Flores, who expressed condolences to the victim’s loved ones and friends.
Pedro Samaniego, the director of the regional campus where the incident transpired, recounted the harrowing events, noting that a man approached a group of first-year students and fired shots without any verbal communication before fleeing the scene.
Authorities revealed that there were two shooters who arrived in a car before carrying out the shooting, although no suspects have been identified yet, according to police Deputy Commission Héctor Delgado.
The wounded student, Anel Terreros, was promptly hospitalized for treatment, while law enforcement officials continue their investigation into the tragic shooting on the university campus, as stated by the regional prosecutor’s office.
As the community mourns the loss of a promising student and prays for the speedy recovery of the injured student, the University of Panama grapples with the aftermath of the senseless act of violence that has shaken the institution to its core.