Lima, Dec. 2, 2025 — Peruvian politician and presidential hopeful Rafael Belaunde, 50, narrowly escaped death after gunmen attacked his vehicle in Cerro Azul, about 130 kilometers south of Lima.
According to police reports, two gunmen on a motorbike fired eight to nine shots at Belaunde’s SUV. Three bullets shattered the front windshield, causing cuts to his face and shirt from broken glass. Images of the bloodied candidate quickly circulated on television and social media.
Police chief General Oscar Arriola confirmed that Belaunde, who was driving the car himself, returned fire with his own weapon, discharging at least 12 shots at the attackers. No gunshot injuries were reported, and the assailants fled the scene.
Belaunde, a former energy minister and grandson of two-term ex-president Fernando Belaunde, told reporters that his injuries were “scratches sustained after the incident.” He insisted he was safe and thanked supporters for their concern.
The attack has raised alarm in Peru’s political circles, with members of Belaunde’s Libertad Popular party condemning the violence and calling for stronger protection of candidates ahead of the 2026 elections. Former Prime Minister Pedro Cateriano, a party member, described the incident as “an assault on democracy.”
Authorities have launched an investigation into the attack, though no suspects have yet been identified. Analysts say the incident underscores the growing insecurity in Peru, where political violence and organized crime have increasingly intersected.
Belaunde’s survival adds a dramatic twist to Peru’s pre-election climate, highlighting both the risks faced by candidates and the volatile security environment in the country.
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