They shot me: Venezuelan TikTok Influencer Killed During Livestream

UPDATED: Jun 26, 2025 03:19 IST

Venezuelan authorities have launched an investigation into the killing of 25-year-old TikTok influencer Gabriel Jess Sarmiento, who was fatally shot during a livestream in his home in Maracay, the capital of Aragua state.

According to the Venezuelan authorities, Sarmiento was known for his outspoken criticism of criminal gangs and alleged corruption within law enforcement, and had recently warned his followers that he was receiving threats from both gang members and individuals claiming to be police officers.

The incident took place on Sunday and was captured live on TikTok. In the graphic footage, a woman, reportedly Sarmiento’s mother, is heard screaming and banging on a door as two armed men appear and open fire. Sarmiento is seen bleeding on the floor, shouting, "They shot me!" before the video abruptly ends. His mother was also injured in the attack, sustaining a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

With a following of nearly 80,000 users on TikTok, Sarmiento had used his platform to expose alleged ties between law enforcement and criminal groups. In particular, he had spoken about Hector Rusthenford Guerrero, alias “Nio Guerrero”, the fugitive leader of the infamous Tren de Aragua gang, which is considered a terrorist organization by the US authorities.

Despite official claims that the gang has been dismantled, Sarmiento continued to share evidence online suggesting the group’s ongoing operations, including photos and videos of suspected members.

In one of his final videos, Sarmiento claimed he had been kidnapped by officers from the Directorate of Strategic and Tactical Actions (DAET), accusing them of collaborating with criminals. “We are overrun with delinquent officials who work with common criminals,” he said.

Venezuela’s Ministry of Public Safety confirmed the killing and announced that the 69th Prosecutor’s Office Against Organized Crime has been assigned to investigate and bring those responsible to justice. Attorney General Tarek William Saab also addressed the case publicly on social media, vowing accountability.

Sarmiento’s death echoes a disturbing trend of violence against social media figures in Latin America. Just weeks earlier, a beauty influencer in Mexico and a mayoral candidate in Veracruz were also killed during livestreams, raising alarm about the growing dangers faced by outspoken voices in the region.

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