World · Latin America · 1 hr ago
Guatemalan lawmaker and three police officers killed in armed attack
Congressman Julio César Portillo Paz and three police officers were killed in an armed attack on Friday in eastern Guatemala.
Portillo was attacked in Río Hondo, in the department of Zacapa, and died after being taken to hospital with serious injuries.
President Bernardo Arévalo said the officers died in the line of duty and ordered security forces to work with prosecutors investigating the killings.
Zacapa is known for drug trafficking activity, but authorities have not identified a motive or suspects.
The killings come about three weeks after former anti-corruption prosecutor Juan Francisco Solórzano Foppa was shot dead in Guatemala City.
Authorities have not linked the two attacks, though the earlier killing raised concerns about organised crime and politically motivated violence.
The investigation continues, with no further steps announced.
A Guatemalan lawmaker and three police officers were killed in an armed attack in the eastern department of Zacapa.
The attack targeted Congressman Julio César Portillo Paz on Friday in Río Hondo.
Portillo was taken to a hospital with serious injuries, and his death was later confirmed by his party.
President Bernardo Arévalo said the officers died in the line of duty and ordered security forces to cooperate with prosecutors.
Authorities have not disclosed a motive or identified those responsible.
- Who
- Congressman Julio César Portillo Paz and three National Civil Police officers were killed.
- What
- They were killed in an armed attack.
- When
- Friday; the sources do not give the calendar date of the attack.
- Where
- Río Hondo, in Guatemala’s eastern department of Zacapa.
- Why
- Not stated. Authorities have not disclosed a motive.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Former anti-corruption prosecutor Juan Francisco Solórzano Foppa was shot dead in Guatemala City.
Congressman Julio César Portillo Paz was attacked in Río Hondo and taken to a hospital with serious injuries.
Portillo’s party, the National Unity of Hope, confirmed his death.
- Victim
- Congressman Julio César Portillo Paz
- Other victims
- Three National Civil Police officers
- Attack location
- Río Hondo, Zacapa
- Lawmaker’s party
- National Unity of Hope (UNE)
4 sources
What people are saying
We will not allow criminal violence to prevail over the lives and safety of Guatemalans