The president of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, visited the family of fallen Minister of Environment, Orlando Jorge Mera’s, to present condolences to his family after he was assassinated while he was at his office at the Ministry of the Environment.

“It’s a very sad day for everyone,” Abinader said after meeting with the family. The head of state arrived a little before 9:00 at night, at the family residence.

Abinader went beyond politics and the Government and recalled that he also shared with Jorge Mera while they studied high school at Loyola school.

The president said he did not know the reasons why Jorge Mera was assassinated. He also expressed that it will be tomorrow when he decides if he will go or if he will suspend his trip to the Summit of the Americas, in Los Angeles, United States.

When he gave his statements, he was accompanied by his wife, the first lady Raquel Arbaje, and Jorge Mera’s son, deputy Orlando Jorge Villegas.

Hours before, Abinader issued decree 298-22 with which he declared the official mourning for three days after the death of Jorge Mera.

Jorge Mera, 55 years old and son of his former president Salvador Jorge Blanco, died this Monday due to the shots caused by his childhood friend Miguel Cruz. He was arrested in a church and is under investigation by the Public Ministry, which will present charges against him.