Helicopter Crash Kills El Salvador Police Chief

A helicopter crash in El Salvador has resulted in the deaths of Police Chief Mauricio Arriaza and embezzlement suspect Manuel Coto, along with seven others, including police officers and servicemen. The crash occurred near Pasaquina while Arriaza was escorting Coto, who faced allegations of embezzling $35 million and had been arrested in Honduras earlier that day. President Nayib Bukele condemned the incident, insisting on a thorough investigation, as he praised Arriaza's contributions to national security amidst ongoing criticism of his controversial law enforcement methods. The U.S. Ambassador to El Salvador extended condolences on behalf of the U.S. government. Arriaza, appointed in 2019, was instrumental in Bukele's security strategy that significantly reduced the homicide rate, although it drew criticism for human rights abuses. Bukele has indicated he will seek international assistance to investigate the crash's cause.