GUATEMALA CITY — President Bernardo Arevalo survived an assassination attempt during a public event outside the national palace Saturday morning, when a lone gunman opened fire from a rooftop across the plaza, striking two bodyguards before being killed by presidential security forces. Arevalo was unharmed. Two bodyguards were rushed to Guatemala City General Hospital in serious condition, where one underwent emergency surgery. The shooting lasted approximately 90 seconds before security teams neutralized the attacker.
Police identified the shooter as Rigoberto Choc, a former army lieutenant discharged in 2022 following an internal disciplinary proceeding related to allegations of abuse. Interior Minister Francisco Jimenez said at a press conference that preliminary evidence suggested Choc acted alone and had no known connection to any organized criminal or political group, though he acknowledged the investigation was in its early stages. The attack came exactly 18 months after Arevalo took office on an anti-corruption platform that has repeatedly clashed with entrenched military and business interests.
The OAS immediately issued a statement condemning “all violent attempts to disrupt Guatemala’s democratic institutions” and calling for a thorough and transparent investigation. The United States Embassy in Guatemala City released a statement calling the attack “an assault on the democratic will of the Guatemalan people.” The European Union delegation said it was in contact with Guatemalan authorities and stood ready to assist with the investigation.
Congress convened an emergency session within two hours of the shooting. Lawmakers from across the political spectrum passed a resolution declaring a 60-day state of siege in Guatemala City and authorizing the deployment of additional military units to key infrastructure points. The measure gives the executive branch expanded powers to detain individuals without warrant and to restrict movement in designated areas.
Arevalo addressed the nation from the presidential palace shortly after 6 p.m. local time, praising the quick response of his security detail and calling the attack “an act of desperation by those who cannot accept that Guatemala has changed.” He vowed to continue his anti-corruption agenda and said no threat would deter his government from pursuing accountability for past crimes. His approval rating stands at 67 percent, according to the most recent independent poll conducted in April.
Written by Diego Vargas, Latin America Correspondent