25.06.2025 11:11
Jesus Sarmiento, a popular TikTok user in Venezuela, was killed during an armed raid on his home while live streaming. Sarmiento called for help during the broadcast, but assistance did not arrive in time. His death came after he released a video accusing high-ranking government officials and gang leaders of extortion.
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25-year-old TikTok phenomenon Jesus Sarmiento was shot and killed during a live broadcast of an armed raid on his home in Venezuela. Sarmiento, who called for help during the broadcast saying, "I've been shot," created an uproar on social media.
The incident occurred shortly after the young man accused some high-ranking government officials and gang leaders of extorting him on TikTok.
At the time of the attack, Sarmiento was at home. Two armed assailants entered the house during the live broadcast and fired multiple shots at Sarmiento. After the young man collapsed to the ground, it appears that shots were fired again. His mother was seen screaming for help. It was reported that Sarmiento was shot at least 9 times, while his mother was injured in the abdominal area but survived.
In the hours leading up to the attack, Sarmiento had shared several videos on social media, claiming that some police officers and officials were working with the feared gangs of the country. In these videos, he explicitly accused figures such as Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and Aragua Governor Johana Sánchez.
He also stated that he had received threats from some of Venezuela's most dangerous gangs, Tren del Llano and Tren de Aragua, and had tagged security units asking for help.
During the live broadcast, he shared his home address and pleaded with state institutions for protection. He also revealed that he had been previously kidnapped by the police and continued to receive threats while in prison.
It is reported that Sarmiento started the live broadcast before going to court due to complaints he made about two ex-girlfriends.
The Venezuelan Attorney General's Office has launched an investigation into the incident. Attorney General Tarek William Saab announced that they are working to identify and punish those responsible for the assassination.
The Tren de Aragua gang, designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S., is linked to numerous crimes such as murder, drug trafficking, and robbery. Its leader, Niño Guerrero, escaped after an operation at a prison in 2023. Although officials claim the gang has been dismantled, gang members are still actively operating in many countries.
A similar incident occurred last month in Mexico, where a female influencer was also killed during a live broadcast. That case is being investigated as a femicide, but no gang connections have been found.
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