Armed men storm a TV station Ecuador during a live broadcast

Armed attack on Ecuador television station.

Panic is caught on a live broadcast.

Police deploy specialized units.

Panic and violence shook the headquarters of the TC Televisión station in Guayaquil, Ecuador on Tuesday, January 9.

A group of heavily armed masked men burst in during a live broadcast, sparking panic. The chaotic and terrifying situation took place in the most dangerous city in the country

Carrying multiple firearms and other weapons, they forced station employees to the ground while viewers could her desperate screams and gunshots echoed in the air.

There were pleas not to shoot interspersed with insults and threats from the masked assailants.

Armed men storm TC Television in Ecuador

Photo: Shutterstock

According to The Associated Press, the assault continued for more than 15 minutes while the live broadcast continued.

Viewers could see the television studio and then other areas, terrifying viewers at home.

Police responded quickly to this terrifying event by announcing on X (formerly Twitter) they had deployed specialized units to the scene to deal with the emergency.

They embarked on an effort to contain the situation in the midst of the chaos and violence that is affecting various parts of the country.

Violence and chaos in Guayaquil

Photo: The Associated Press

Shocking images of the anguish and fear experienced by those in the studio began to circulate online.

The presenters and the production team were threatened by the armed individuals who demanded that police stay away, displaying weapons and alleged explosive devices to the cameras.

The online reaction was immediate as internet users shared the images with messages of solidarity, prayers and obvious indignation at the violence unleashed on the television station.

People expressed condemnation of this violent attack on social media, where the virtual community voiced concern about the country’s increasing violence.

Reactions on social media

PHOTO Shutterstock

Users on X (formerly Twitter) have expressed their outrage at the images circulating online.

«I’m watching it and I’m in shock. May God intercede in your hearts to the people who kidnapped the journalists and cameramen. Holy Virgin, protect them with your Sacred mantle,” wrote one user.

«This has already gotten out of control.» «Incredible.» «Blessed Virgin protects everyone in their path.» «What a disgrace,» other people added.

“God have mercy on our brothers.” “The horror.” “God save us from this,” said others.

Uncertainty remains after the attack

PHOTO The Associated Press

This attack is one of a series of violent events that shook Ecuador in less than 24 hours, including explosions, attacks and kidnappings of police officers.

This comes as criminal leaders allegedly escaped from a local jail, according to The Associated Press.

The Ecuadorian authorities are on maximum alert, trying to contain the escalation of violence and ensure security in the country.

Uncertainty regarding the motives behind this attack on the media outlet and concerns over safety persist.

The president of Ecuador speaks out

Photo: Shutterstock

The president of Ecuador, Daniel Noboa, shared the executive decree declaring an Internal Armed Conflict on X (formerly Twitter).

He stated that he had signed the decree — in addition to identifying various transnational organized crime groups — ordering the Armed Forces to carry out military operations to neutralize them.

The president identified the following groups: Águilas, ÁguilasKiller, Ak47, Caballeros Oscuros, ChoneKiller, Choneros, Covicheros and Cuartel de las Feas.

He also named Cubanos, Fatales, Gánster, Kater Piler, Lagartos, Latin Kings, Lobos, Los p.27, Los Tiburones, Mafia 18, Mafia Trébol, Patrones, R7 and Tiguerones. To see a video of the attack on the television studio click HERE.