Kenneth Darlington, a 77-year-old lawyer and professor, has been arrested for shooting two environmental protesters blocking the road in a shocking incident on a Panamanian highway.
For three weeks, protesters opposed the Panamanian government’s deal with a Canadian firm. They reportedly demanded to extend Central America’s largest copper mine operation for at least 20 more years. However, Darlington grew weary of these protests and took the matter into his own hands.
He waved his gun, shook his finger, and argued with demonstrators before ultimately firing and killing two people on film. Authorities identified the victims as Abdiel Diaz and Ivan Mendoza. The incident marked the first fatalities in protests that began on October 20, 2023.
Who is Kenneth Darlington and why did he shoot the protestors?
Kenneth Darlington, a lawyer and professor with dual citizenship in the US and Panama, has a reported history of a previous conviction for illegal possession of a firearm. According to media reports, Darlington, who resides in the Paitilla district of Panama City, was stuck in a traffic jam caused by protesters. They had set up a roadblock on the highway, approximately 55 miles west of Panama City, the country’s capital.
Reportedly, as Kenneth Darlington got out, he told other passengers in the car, “Today, this ends.” Approaching the roadblock, he argued fiercely with protestors, including the two victims. After an argument with the protesters, Darlington allegedly opened fire. As per the footage, the first victim, who was in a black t-shirt and blue hat, fell to the ground immediately. A few second later, he opened fire again and killed another man.
One of the victims died at the scene, while another succumbed to his injuries later in the hospital. The severity of the incident raises questions about the escalating tensions between protesters and those opposing their methods.
Authorities charged Kenneth Darlington with murder and illegal possession of a gun. However, the reports suggest that he could avoid jail time because of his age.
