Widespread protests erupted across Peru overnight, leaving at least one person dead and dozens injured in violent clashes targeting the newly installed president, José Jeri, the state ombudsman’s office confirmed Thursday. The government announced plans to impose a state of emergency in Lima within hours and to roll out measures aimed at curbing escalating insecurity.
Deep-seated dissatisfaction with crime, corruption, and institutional weakness are the reasons for the protests, which is being spearheaded by young activists, transport unions, and civil groups. It comes just a few days after former President Dina Boluarte was abruptly removed, and Jose Jeri was brought in to take her place.
Hundreds of demonstrators clashed with security authorities in Lima, particularly outside Congress, as thousands more protesters gathered in Peruvian cities. While police used rubber bullets and tear gas, protesters screamed, “Everyone must go!” as they tried to break through obstacles. The killing of a 32-year-old protester named Eduardo Mauricio Ruiz is currently being investigated by the ombudsman’s office. Although they did not immediately name the gunman, prosecutors verified that the cause was a gunshot wound.
The fatal shot was allegedly fired by Luis Magallanes, a police officer who had been assaulted, according to later statements made by Police Chief Oscar Arriola. Magallanes has been suspended while an inquiry is conducted and is currently in the hospital. In response, Jeri publicly apologized for Ruiz’s passing and pledged a “objective” investigation, all the while accusing “delinquents who infiltrated a peaceful demonstration to sow chaos.”
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Prime Minister Ernesto Álvarez stated in a late-Thursday speech that in order to combat the violence, the government would soon declare a state of emergency in Lima and implement security changes. Jeri also declared that he will request extraordinary authority from Congress to enact laws pertaining to public safety, including possible reforms to the jail system. Vicente Tiburcio, the country’s new interior minister, pledged to completely overhaul Peru’s police forces. According to him, 11 people were arrested and 89 police officers and 22 citizens were hurt during the demonstration on Wednesday night.
On October 10, 2025, Jeri, 38, took over as president after Congress impeached Boluarte. He promised to make combating crime the top priority of his administration, but he comes into office already burdened by accusations of sexual assault and corruption, which he denies and claims he is prepared to face. Extreme turmoil characterized Boluarte’s presidency: her security actions led to deadly crackdowns and widespread public dissatisfaction, and her popularity fell sharply before her departure.
The next action taken would determine if the protests would be deescalated or not.