Dominican Republic environment minister shot dead in own office

The Dominican Republic's environment minister was shot dead in his own office on Monday, government spokesperson Homer Figueroa confirmed in a video message.

According to Figueroa, the alleged assailant was a friend of the minister, Orlando Mera, and has already been detained.

"In the name of the government and the president of the republic, Luis Abinader, we want to express our deepest sympathy to the family," said Figueroa.

Few details about the incident were available. Mera, 55, had been in office for less than two years.