A homemade explosive device struck Honduran lawmaker Gladis Aurora López inside the National Congress on January 8, causing injuries that sent her to the hospital but left her out of immediate danger. The attack unfolded during a heated session called by the ruling party to challenge recent presidential election results, heightening concerns over political stability in the region.
López, a member of the conservative National Party, was in a hallway of the Legislative Palace when the device hit her back and detonated. Security footage showed the explosive thrown from outside, shredding her jacket and leaving her bleeding on the floor. Colleagues rushed her to medical care, where doctors treated burns and impacts to her head, shoulder, and back. She later reported mild discomfort but confirmed she faced no serious threat to her life.
The incident came as supporters of the leftist Liberty and Refoundation Party (LIBRE) gathered outside Congress in protest. LIBRE, led by current President Xiomara Castro, refuses to accept the November 30, election outcome that named National Party candidate Nasry Asfura the winner after a prolonged count. Electoral authorities declared Asfura’s narrow victory on December 24, following weeks of delays that fueled suspicions of irregularities.
Congress President Luis Redondo, a LIBRE ally, had summoned the session to discuss reviewing over 19,000 ballots – a move legal experts say exceeds legislative powers, as the National Electoral Council holds sole authority over results. National Party leaders, including delegation head Tomás Zambrano, pointed fingers at LIBRE figures like Redondo and party coordinator Manuel Zelaya for stirring unrest that led to the violence. “This is an attempt to destabilize the country,” Zambrano posted on social media.
Police launched a hunt for the attackers, using video evidence that captured two men fleeing after the throw. One earlier clash during post-election unrest had injured a soldier with a similar device, often launched crudely in protests.
Asfura, set to assume office on January 27, responded to the event with caution. “I don’t want to think it’s for political reasons,” he said. “These are things that cannot keep happening.” His win, backed by international figures including former U.S. President Donald Trump, marked a shift from LIBRE’s hold on power since Castro’s 2021 victory.
The attack drew swift condemnation from across the political spectrum. National Party lawmaker Netzer Mejía echoed blames toward Castro’s administration supporters. Redondo ordered a probe into the matter, though tensions persisted with military police securing the area amid ongoing demonstrations.
In Central America, such episodes raise alarms for neighboring countries like us here in Costa Rica, where stable ties with Honduras matter for trade and migration flows. Honduran instability has historically spilled over, affecting regional efforts against organized crime and economic pacts. Costa Rican officials have yet to comment publicly, but analysts here note the potential for broader unrest if disputes escalate before Asfura’s inauguration.
López, representing the department of La Paz, has served in Congress and aligns with Asfura’s platform of conservative policies. Her injury highlights the risks lawmakers face in polarized settings, where homemade explosives have appeared in prior conflicts. Authorities continue to investigate, with no arrests reported as of January 9. The session proceeded under tight security, but the event underscores the fragile transition ahead for Honduras.
