77-Year-Old American Man Fires Gun After Environmental Activists Block Road in Protest...

Retired Lawyer Living in Panama Opens Fire
Previously Convicted for Illegal Weapon Possession
"Unbelievable... Condolences to the Bereaved"

In Panama, a Latin American country, a shocking incident occurred when two environmental activists blocked a highway to protest, and an elderly man with white hair shot and killed them. The protesters were demonstrating against the Panamanian government's mining development.

According to foreign media reports including CNN in the US and the British online outlet Joe News on the 8th (local time), the incident took place on the Pan-American Highway, 80 km from the capital, Panama City.

At the time, the highway was occupied by anti-government protesters opposing the Panamanian government's approval of a copper mine contract with a Canadian resource development company.

An elderly person firing a gun at protesters [Image source=Ex]

However, Kenneth Darlington, a 77-year-old man trapped on the road occupied by the protesters, got out of his vehicle and argued with the protesters before suddenly drawing a gun and firing.

The shocking scene was also posted on social media platforms such as X. In one video clip, the white-haired Darlington is seen pointing his finger at the protesters, then pulling a handgun from the right pocket of his pants to threaten them.

As the conflict escalated, Darlington fired at the protesters. One of the two men hit by the gunfire immediately collapsed, and the other man fell after taking a few steps. Both were reported to have died. It is known that media personnel, including local broadcasters and newspapers, were present at the scene along with the protesters.

Incident site video [Image source=Ex]

According to the British daily The Times, Darlington, the elderly man who fired the gun, is a retired lawyer residing in Panama but holds American citizenship. He was also convicted in 2005 for illegal possession of firearms.

Immediately after the incident, Panamanian investigative authorities identified and arrested Darlington. Laurentino Cortizo, President of Panama, expressed condolences to the families of the two citizens who lost their lives in Oeste on Tuesday, emphasizing that "this is something that should never happen in our society where we live in solidarity with each other."

Meanwhile, the conflict between the government and protesters over the copper mining development rights is intensifying. Since the passage of the bill, protesters have been holding marches and sit-ins on streets and roads. It is reported that four protesters have died so far due to these demonstrations.