Guatemalan congressman Julio Cesar Portillo Paz and three police officers were killed in a Nov. 6 attack in eastern Zacapa, with authorities describing it as a direct assault on the lawmaker.
AFP reported that the attack occurred in Rio Hondo, Zacapa. Guatemala’s Interior Ministry said three police officers were killed.
Earlier that day, a fire service official told reporters Portillo had escaped unharmed. Guatemala’s Congress posted on X later that day to mourn him, identifying him as its representative for Zacapa.
AFP said the assailants got away before their identities were known. The agency described Zacapa as an area with drug-trafficking activity and said the Lorenzana family cartel controls the local trade and has ties to Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel.
AFP reported that Portillo won a seat in 2023 with Cabal, then later moved to National Unity of Hope, which former first lady Sandra Torres leads. AFP said Torres is expected to seek Guatemala’s presidency in the 2027 election.
