At least seven people were killed and 13 others injured when gunmen opened fire during a funeral in Guatemala City on July 29, 2025.
The attack has been linked to the ongoing conflict between the country’s two most violent criminal groups—Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13).
The shooting took place at a funeral for a person believed to be associated with Barrio 18.
According to eyewitness accounts, several attackers arrived on motorcycles and began shooting indiscriminately at the people gathered.
Panic spread quickly as mourners ran for cover. Many victims were hit by stray bullets, including those not directly connected to gang activity.
The incident reflects the hold gang violence has on Guatemala’s capital, where territorial disputes and revenge attacks frequently occur.
Police sources suspect the assailants were members of MS-13, retaliating in an ongoing rivalry that has lasted for decades.
Interior Minister Francisco Jimenez reported that the funeral had been flagged as a possible target, and security had been deployed.
However, officers reportedly abandoned their posts before the shooting took place.
An internal investigation is underway to examine whether negligence contributed to the deadly outcome.
Although Guatemala’s overall homicide rate has declined in recent years, organized gang violence remains a serious threat.
Officials estimate that nearly half of all violent crime in the country is related to gang disputes. This attack serves as another reminder of how armed groups continue to disrupt public life.
Police are still investigating the incident and have asked for help from witnesses. No suspects have been arrested yet.