On Monday, the Peruvian government declared a state of emergency in Lima in response to a recent surge in violence that tragically claimed the life of popular singer Paul Flores. Soldiers were deployed to assist in restoring order on the streets.

Flores, a prominent cumbia musician, was fatally shot when the bus he was traveling in was attacked by unidentified gunmen on Sunday. President Dina Boluarte expressed strong condemnation and a desire for murderers to face tougher penalties, suggesting she would support the death penalty, a punishment reserved in Peru for convicted traitors.

This state of emergency, lasting 30 days, extends to Lima and the neighboring Callao province, empowering authorities to utilize military forces to combat the escalating lawlessness.

Peru has a history of implementing emergency measures during periods of increased criminal activity or social unrest. The recent government actions come in the wake of heightened violence attributed to criminal organizations targeting various sectors, with a particular focus on businesses such as transportation companies.