On June 23, 2025, Venezuelan influencer Gabriel Jesús Sarmiento Rodríguez, 25 years old, was shot and killed while broadcasting live from his residence in El Piñonal, Maracay, Aragua state.
The crime, perpetrated by two armed men who broke into his home, was recorded on video and has generated commotion both in Venezuela and in the international community..
Previous public denunciations and threats to Gabriel Sarmiento
Sarmiento, known on TikTok as @unleacks, had more than 80,000 followers and was known for his denunciations of police corruption and the activities of criminal gangs such as the Tren de Aragua and Tren del Llano.
In his publications, he singled out high-level officials, including Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello and Aragua Governor Johana Sanchez, accusing them of complicity with these criminal organizations.
The influencer had also reported having been detained for 15 days in La Morita prison, where he claimed to have received death threats.
In his videos, he requested protection from the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN) and shared his address, fearing for his safety.
The live murder of the Venezuelan tiktoker
During the live broadcast, Sarmiento alerted about the presence of armed men in his home and asked the authorities for help.
Moments later, gunshots and cries for help were heard from his mother, who was also wounded in the abdomen.
The transmission was abruptly interrupted after the attack.
The video of the murder quickly went viral on social networks, generating outrage and concern for the safety of activists and journalists in Venezuela.
Ongoing research
Venezuela’s Attorney General, Tarek William Saab, announced the assignment of the 69th Prosecutor’s Office with national competence in organized crime to investigate the homicide.
Those responsible for the crime, which has been described as an act of hired assassination, are being identified and punished.
Authorities have indicated that Sarmiento had reported threats from members of the Structured Organized Crime Groups (GEDO) and some police officials.
The case has reignited the debate on freedom of expression and whistleblower protection in the country.
Gabriel Sarmiento ya había sido objeto de diversas amenazas por las cosas que decía contra el gobierno y hasta la organización criminal 'El Tren de Aragua'
International outrage over the incident
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The murder of Gabriel Sarmiento highlights the risks faced by those who denounce corruption and organized crime in Venezuela.
For the Hispanic community in the United States, especially for Venezuelans in exile, this case underscores the importance of supporting and protecting those who fight for transparency and justice in their home countries.
In addition, the case highlights the need for immigration policies that consider the threats faced by activists and journalists in their home countries, and the importance of providing them with asylum and protection when they seek refuge in the United States.
The murder of Gabriel Sarmiento during a live broadcast has shocked Venezuela and the world, highlighting the danger of denouncing corruption and organized crime in contexts where impunity prevails.
The international community and human rights organizations must follow this case closely and demand justice for Sarmiento and his family.
Here are the powerful images of the murder of the Venezuelan tiktoker.
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