The distressing footage shows a man with gray hair and glasses calmly approaching the blockade on the Pan-American Highway, engaging in an argument with the demonstrators before pulling out a gun and opening fire.

The incident took place on Tuesday in the Chame sector, west of Panama City. Witnesses described the chaos and horror as people gathered around the bodies of the two victims lying on the road. The shooter was apprehended by authorities and placed in handcuffs before being taken into custody.

Panama police later identified the suspect as Kenneth Darlington, a 77-year-old lawyer and professor who holds dual citizenship in the United States and Panama. Pictures circulating on social media show him handcuffed to a pipe after being detained.

Reports state that one of the protesters was killed instantly at the scene, while the other victim succumbed to their injuries after being rushed to a local hospital. The identities of the deceased have not yet been publicly disclosed.

The incident has prompted a strong response from Panama's President, Laurentino Cortizo, who expressed his condolences to the families of the slain protesters. He condemned the act as a crime that has "no place" in Panama's supportive society.

This tragic shooting follows recent reports in Panamanian media of a foreigner allegedly running over and killing a demonstrator who attempted to drive past a roadblock. The details of this incident are still under investigation.

As the investigation into this horrific shooting continues, authorities will be looking into the motives of Kenneth Darlington and the circumstances surrounding the incident. The arrest of an elderly American citizen in connection with such a violent crime has shocked the nation and raised questions about the potential causes and implications of the tragic event.

Panama, known for its natural beauty and commitment to environmental conservation, has been rocked by these incidents, highlighting the delicate balance between protesting and violence. The country now faces the challenge of addressing these concerns while maintaining an environment of peaceful demonstrations and constructive dialogue.