Guatemalan Congressman and Three Police Officers Slain in Violent Armed Attack

A Guatemalan lawmaker and three police officers were killed in an armed attack on Friday, authorities in the country have confirmed. The targeted attack occurred in Rio Hondo, located in the eastern Zacapa department, a region known for its drug trafficking activities. The victim was Congressman Julio Portillo, who was initially rushed to a hospital with severe injuries. His death was later confirmed by the National Unity of Hope party (UNE), his political affiliation.

Guatemala's Congress issued a statement on X late Friday, expressing their sorrow: "President Luis Contreras, members of the Board of Directors and lawmakers mourn the tragic passing of Congressman Julio Cesar Portillo Paz, representative of the Zacapa district." President Bernardo Arevalo acknowledged the three National Civil Police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty and has directed security forces to collaborate with prosecutors in their investigation of the killings.

As of now, authorities have not revealed a motive for the attack or identified any suspects. The Lorenzana family cartel, reportedly linked to Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel, is known to control the drug trade in Zacapa.

Congressman Portillo was elected to his seat in 2023 representing the opposition party Cabal, but subsequently joined the National Unity of Hope party, led by former First Lady Sandra Torres, who is anticipated to run for president in the upcoming year's elections.

These killings follow approximately three weeks after former anticorruption prosecutor Juan Francisco Solorzano Foppa was fatally shot in Guatemala City. That incident intensified concerns regarding the influence of organized crime and the potential resurgence of politically motivated assassinations. Authorities have not yet established any connection between the two separate attacks.