Guatemala City: At least seven people were killed and several others injured after unidentified gunmen opened fire at a funeral in Guatemala City on Monday, in what authorities suspect to be a gang-related attack.
The shooting occurred at the capital’s historic La Verbena cemetery, where mourners had gathered to pay their last respects. According to police, the gunmen arrived at the cemetery and began firing indiscriminately, targeting those in attendance. Four people died at the scene, while three others succumbed to their injuries at a nearby hospital.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as attendees ran for cover amid the hail of bullets. “It was like a war zone, people were screaming and running in all directions,” a survivor told local media.
Initial investigations suggest the victims may have had links to rival criminal groups, and officials believe the attack was a continuation of ongoing gang rivalries plaguing the country. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that the shooting was a targeted reprisal killing.
Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a manhunt for the assailants, who reportedly fled the scene on motorbikes. No arrests had been made at the time of reporting.
Guatemala, like many Central American nations, has struggled with high levels of violent crime, often linked to gang activity. Cemeteries have increasingly become flashpoints for violence, with several such incidents reported in recent years.
The government condemned the attack and vowed to strengthen security. “This brazen act of violence is unacceptable. We will not allow criminals to desecrate sacred spaces and instill fear,” a spokesperson for the interior ministry said.
The incident has sparked fresh concerns over public safety and the growing influence of armed groups in Guatemala’s urban areas. Local NGOs have called for urgent reforms to address the root causes of gang violence, including poverty, lack of opportunities, and weak law enforcement.
An investigation is ongoing.