Lima, December 22, 2025 – Clarion Newschannel
Shock and outrage have gripped northern Peru following a brazen assassination during a festive Christmas event, where armed hitmen opened fire on a crowd, killing local councilwoman Elena Rojas and injuring at least seven others, including several children.
The attack occurred on Thursday afternoon, December 18, in the town plaza of Sausal, part of the Chicama district in the Ascope province of La Libertad region. Families had gathered for a traditional “chocolatada navideña” – a community celebration featuring hot chocolate, gifts, and toy distributions for children – when two gunmen on a motorcycle arrived and targeted Rojas, who was actively participating in handing out presents.
According to witnesses and local reports, the assailants fired multiple shots directly at the councilwoman, who succumbed to her injuries despite being rushed to a nearby health facility. The Regional Emergency Operations Center (COER) of La Libertad confirmed that seven people were wounded in the crossfire, with the majority being children aged between 7 and 13 years old. Four minors remained in serious condition in hospitals as of the latest updates.
Elena Rojas, a regidora (councilwoman) for the Chicama municipal district affiliated with the regional Fortaleza Perú movement, was described by authorities as the apparent primary target of the sicariato (contract killing). Peruvian National Police have launched an investigation, classifying the incident as a deliberate attack amid the region’s ongoing struggles with organized crime, extortion, and gang-related violence.
La Libertad has seen heightened insecurity, with parts of the region previously under states of emergency to combat rising crime linked to drug trafficking and territorial disputes. Community leaders and officials have demanded increased state presence and security guarantees for public events, highlighting the vulnerability of civilians during holiday gatherings.
No arrests have been reported in connection with the shooting, and police continue to urge the public for information.
Clarion Newschannel extends deepest condolences to the family of Elena Rojas and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured, particularly the young victims. This tragic incident underscores the urgent need to address the wave of violence plaguing communities in northern Peru.
Terror in Chicama: Sicarios Assassinate Councilwoman at Children’s Christmas Celebration, Children Among the Wounded
