A Honduran congresswoman has sustained serious injuries after being struck in the head by an explosive device thrown at her outside the country's National Congress.
Attack During Tense Political Gathering
The incident occurred on Thursday in Tegucigalpa, as National Party deputy Gladys Aurora López was speaking to reporters outside the Legislative Palace. The gathering was tense, taking place ahead of a vote recount motion sparked by allegations of fraud following Nasry Asfura's narrow presidential win on November 30, 2025.
Footage from the scene shows López engaging with those gathered before a circular device is seen flying through the air towards her. The explosive struck her in the back of the neck, erupting in an orange flame beside her head.
Injuries and Immediate Aftermath
According to local reports, López survived the attack and is in a stable condition. However, she suffered a series of significant injuries including:
- Burns
- Hearing damage
- Possible fractured bones
Several other lawmakers standing nearby were also reportedly left with minor injuries from the blast.
Political Condemnation and Calls for Investigation
Leaders from across the political spectrum swiftly condemned the violence. Congress President Luis Redondo ordered an immediate probe, instructing security to review internal CCTV and 911 system records to identify the perpetrator.
President-elect Asfura, who is due to be inaugurated on January 27, called for peace, stating: "I don't want to think it's really for political reasons, but these are things that just can't happen."
Tomás Zambrano, head of the National Party's congressional bloc, who was present, described the devices used as "mortars". He accused the ruling party of fostering violence against the opposition over four years and called on the Armed Forces and National Police to provide security, warning that Honduras is facing one of its most critical political moments.
Redondo strongly condemned the act, emphasising that "no act of violence will be tolerated within the legislative building or against any member of the Legislative Branch." The investigation into the attack is ongoing.
