Two shot to death in Venezuelan political clash

CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuelan officials say two people have been shot to death during a confrontation between supporters of President Hugo Chavez and his opponent in next month's presidential election, Henrique Capriles.

Justice Minister Tarek El Aissami says the shooting happened Saturday when loyalists of both candidates faced off on a road between the communities of Barinas and Barinitas in the country's central plains, about 280 miles southwest of Caracas.

Opposition lawmaker Julio Cesar Reyes says a group of Chavez supporters blocked a motorcade of Capriles backers and people on both sides were arguing when a man appeared with a gun and started shooting.

The justice minister says police are investigating.

There are have clashes previously, but these are the first deaths tied to the campaign for the Oct. 7 election.