Minister was assassinated at his office.

Officials claim the Dominican Republic's environment and natural resources minister was shot and assassinated in his office by a close personal acquaintance.

Orlando At the time of the incident, Jorge Mera, 55, was in the middle of a meeting. There were at least six shots fired.

The assailant was named as Miguel Cruz by a presidential spokeswoman, who described him as a childhood friend of the minister.

He has been taken into custody. The reason for the shooting is yet unknown.

Mr Jorge Mera's family stated in a statement that he was shot numerous times by a man he had known since boyhood.

"The person who committed this has been forgiven by our family. One of Orlando's most lasting legacies was his refusal to keep grudges "They also added.

Mr. Jorge Mera had been a member of President Luis Abinader's administration since the latter's election in July 2020.

President Abinader conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to Mr Jorge Mera's family in a tweet, and that he sincerely regretted his good friend's passing.

On social media, Bartolomé Pujals, the director of the government's cabinet for innovation, termed his death a tragedy and urged for peace.

Mr Jorge Mera was a founding member of the ruling Modern Revolutionary Party and the son of former President Salvador Jorge-Blanco (PRM).

Mr Jorge Mera is survived by his wife, the Dominican ambassador to Brazil, and two sons, one of whom is a PRM legislator.