San Bernardo Mayor Christopher White targeted in assassination plot

Authorities in Chile have uncovered a plot by an organized crime group to assassinate Christopher White, the mayor of San Bernardo. The threat was discovered through telephone intercepts conducted by the PDI and the Occidente Prosecutor's Office. The alleged plan involved monitoring the mayor's movements and schedules, with the intent to carry out the attack before September 18 to gain territorial control over the Santa Rosa de Lima and San Esteban sectors.

The investigation led to the recapture of Juan Flores Valenzuela, known as “El Indio Juan,” in San Ramón. Flores Valenzuela had been a fugitive since February after escaping from the Santiago Sur detention center while serving a life sentence for femicide. Following a detention hearing, he has been returned to prison to continue his sentence.

Mayor White suffered a health crisis, including an anxiety episode, upon learning the details of the threat and is currently under medical rest. In response, the Ministry of Public Security has reinforced protection measures for the mayor. Other municipal leaders, including Maipú Mayor Tomás Vodanovic, have expressed solidarity with White, while some have criticized the government for providing insufficient tools to combat organized crime.