The death toll from attacks allegedly carried out by criminal gangs against police in Guatemala has risen to 10 people on Monday, as Guatemalans witnessed a heavy security deployment on the streets following Congress's approval of the state of emergency declared by President Bernardo Arévalo. Officials reported late Monday that a tenth police officer had died from injuries sustained in those attacks. The police held an official memorial ceremony to honor the fallen officers. The attacks on police occurred in Guatemala City and its surroundings after hundreds of riot police stormed the Renovación prison in Escuintla, about 47 miles (76 km) southwest of the capital, to free nine guards held hostage there. Gang leaders often order imprisoned members outside the prison walls to carry out retaliatory attacks. President Bernardo Arévalo later posted on X that he had ordered police and soldiers onto the streets and is scheduled to address the nation on television. Gunshots were heard as riot police stormed the facility housing gang leaders. The police then announced they had raided a third prison and freed 28 guards. Prisoners had taken control of the three prisons the day before in a coordinated uprising to protest prison directors' decision to strip some imprisoned gang leaders of privileges. About 15 minutes later, an Associated Press journalist saw the freed guards being led out of the prison; they appeared unharmed, and no injuries or deaths were immediately reported. Later on Sunday, authorities regained control of a second prison north of the capital. The National Civil Police said six guards were freed there.
