The social networks of the relief corps are the channel where armed incidents are alerted. The scenes are similar, since in the images shared, bodies can be seen in the streets, protected areas, and relatives of the victims who cannot believe what happened.
Last April 9, Guatemala was marked by a violent day, since during the day firefighters reported armed attacks both in the metropolitan area and in the interior of the country.
This violent day was confirmed in a document to which he had access Free presswhich shows the number of deaths from violence that day.
The document, Security Situation in Guatemala of the National Civil Police (PNC), shows comparisons of homicides by day so far in April 2026.
According to the data, On April 9, 2025, there were four homicides nationwide, while on the same date in 2026, 17 deaths were recorded due to violence, making it the most violent day of the month so far.
During 2026, the cause of death from firearms is the most frequent, with 82% of the general total nationwide, followed by knives (9%), strangulation (5%), blunt objects (3%) and lynchings (1%), according to the document.
At what times are the most homicides recorded?
In 2026, the largest number of homicides occur between 6 p.m. and 0 p.m. throughout the country. Personal revenge, relationships with gangs and emotional causes are the possible motives for the homicides that occur most in the country; They represent 78% of the general total, the document highlighted.
It was also indicated that in 2026 there will be a 2% decrease in the crime incidence in the country. The departments of Guatemala, Escuintla, Chimaltenango, Izabal and Petén account for 74% of the general total, with 3,107 incidents.
Minister recognizes spike in violence
In statements to the press on Friday, April 10, the Minister of the Interior, Marco Antonio Villeda, indicated that on April 9 there was an uptick in homicidal violence, which is why police presence, registration posts and prevention actions were increased.
He said the homicidal violence had decreased on some days; however, it rebounded on April 9.
He stated that they are addressing the problem and that they have assigned between 700 and a thousand agents to cover the incidents recorded in recent days, which has reduced the police presence on the streets, so they must resume operations and strategies that have given them results.
He explained that this type of violence is varied and does not have a single explanation, as it includes events caused by gangs, control of territories for drug trafficking and personal revenge.
In that sense, Free press He consulted security analysts, who gave their points of view on the violent day that the country experienced. Meanwhile, on the central campus of the University of San Carlos (Usac) there has been extensive police deployment due to the demonstrations against Walter Mazariegos.
Excessive number of agents
For Eddy Morales, a security analyst, the number of PNC agents who showed up at Usac was excessive and it was not necessary to deploy so many uniformed officers. “I think 400 agents was excessive,” he added.
He indicated that it was a resource that could have been used in another context and that there is a contradiction, because while in the USAC there were that many agents, crimes were committed at other points.
According to their hypothesis, these are moments in which organized crime takes advantage to carry out its actions.
He added that, in his opinion, these decisions violate and weaken the territorial coverage of police stations, which would have been taken advantage of by organized crime.
He indicated that they are exclusive decisions of the Ministry of the Interior, in response to the request of the Public Ministry (MP).
Alan Ajiatas, former MP prosecutor and security analyst, said there was a disproportionate police presence at Usac, with more than 400 agents.
He added that, although the USAC case requires attention, the institutions cannot divert so many resources due to temporary situations and that the PNC has protocols to determine its actions according to each circumstance.
To read more: Violence hits the capital: eight dead and several injured in seven armed attacks
He added that, although the MP requests one thousand or two thousand elements, it must be established what type of diligence will be carried out and whether what is required meets the standards established in the protocols.
He considered that it is irresponsible not to assume an institutional position with criteria and protocols that support decisions.
He indicated that a court order must be complied with and obeyed; If you do not agree, the corresponding legal mechanisms must be activated. However, during operations one area cannot be neglected to cause damage to others.
He added that sometimes an excessive number of agents is observed in certain procedures, such as accidents or robberies in warehouses.
Analyze how the communication was
He pointed out that it is necessary to analyze how the communication was, the requirement and whether there was an inter-institutional table to address the USAC case.
On this topic, Deputy José Chic summoned authorities, including the PNC, to explain their action protocols in Antigua Guatemala, Sacatepéquez, and on the central campus during the re-election of Walter Mazariegos as rector.
Esvin Jacinto Quiché, deputy director of operations at the PNC, said that on April 6 there were altercations inside and outside the USAC, specifically at the exit to the Peripheral Ring, where 30 agents were deployed; In addition, a reserve core and a rapid intervention module were designated.
He stated that the police were deployed to prevent clashes between students on campus and those who were on the street.
The PNC justified its actions in both places where there were protests, which was questioned by the legislator.
🚨ARMED ATTACK🚨
Municipal firefighters went to Calzada Mateo Flores and Anillo Periférico, zone 11 (south direction), after receiving alerts to line 123 about an armed attack. Paramedics provided immediate life-saving assistance to two injured men at the scene.Follow thread pic.twitter.com/WovaPA4E7P
— Municipal Firefighters (@bomberosmuni) April 9, 2026
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