During a media appearance on Thursday, Honduran National Party Deputy Gladis Aurora Lopez suffered severe injuries when a grenade exploded near her. The incident, now under investigation as an attack on opposition lawmakers, occurred just before an extraordinary session of Congress was to commence.
According to reports from various news organizations, Deputy Lopez was engaging with journalists outside the legislative building when the explosive device struck. Video footage of the attack was captured and disseminated by HCH TV, a local media outlet, showing the grenade's detonation and an individual purportedly throwing the device toward the lawmakers.
The violent act unfolded in the capital city of Honduras, where political tensions have been high following a closely contested presidential election in December. The National Party, to which Lopez belongs, emerged victorious with businessman Nasry Asfura defeating Liberal Party nominee Salvador Nasralla by a narrow margin.
Subsequent to the attack, Lopez described her ordeal, stating that she was in significant pain and had lost hearing in one ear. In the chaotic aftermath, her immediate concern was for her safety, and she publicly sought protection from human rights organizations.
Tomás Zambrano, a fellow Deputy for the National Party and leader of the party's delegation, provided additional context. He mentioned that they were conducting interviews when the explosive was hurled at them. Zambrano further implicated Luis Rolando Redondo Guifarro, President of the National Congress, alleging his responsibility for the ongoing violence against opposition members.
In turn, Redondo condemned the attack and assured that steps were being taken to investigate the incident. He instructed the congressional security personnel to review security footage and the 911 system records to identify those responsible for the attack.
This grenade attack highlights the volatile political climate in Honduras in the wake of an election that had international eyes upon it. President Donald Trump had endorsed Asfura, the National Party candidate, which added an international dimension to the national politics of Honduras.
As the investigation into the grenade attack continues, the Honduran political scene remains tense, and the safety of its lawmakers is of paramount concern. The full extent of Deputy Lopez's injuries is still being assessed, and the search for the assailant is ongoing.
