Honduras Travel Alert Issued For US Citizens Over Mass Shooting Threats
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The United States Embassy in Honduras has issued a security alert to U.S. citizens in Honduras over a possible mass shooting threat on May 6 and again on May 16.
Newsweek reached out to the State Department via email for comment.
Why It Matters
The State Department has issued numerous travel and security-related alerts to U.S. citizens in over 100 countries.
The State Department can issue four travel advisory levels: one is to exercise normal precautions, two is to exercise increased caution, and three is to reconsider travel. A level four advisory means do not travel.
What To Know
In the Tuesday alert, the U.S. Embassy in Honduras warns that possible mass shootings could occur in Tegucigalpa, the nation's capital.
According to the alert, the threats are for the Elliot Dover Christian School in Tegucigalpa, the Centro Civico in Tegucigalpa, and an unnamed mall in Tegucigalpa.
"Due to the serious risk posed by this threat U.S. Embassy personnel have been instructed to avoid those locations," the U.S. Embassy says in the alert.
"U.S. citizens are strongly urged to also avoid these locations. At this time there is no information to suggest that the threat is targeted specifically towards U.S. citizens. The Embassy is cooperating with Honduran police in investigating this threat," the alert says.
Honduras currently has an overall level three travel warning for American citizens by the State Department, citing widespread violent crime as a contributing factor; However, the country also has a level 4 advisory for the Gracias a Dios Department—the most eastern portion of the country. The State Department says the department has high levels of criminal activity and "Narcotics trafficking is widespread."
Americans who decide to travel to the Central American country should avoid demonstrations, not walk or drive at nighttime, and should avoid displaying signs of wealth, the State Department advises in part.
Notably, other U.S. allies have issued travel warnings for the United States amid increased concern for immigration enforcement amid ongoing deportations.
Tourists can be seen visiting the boardwalk in Belize City before the arrival of Tropical Storm Lisa on November 1, 2022. Photo by Johan ORDONEZ / AFP) (Photo by JOHAN ORDONEZ/AFP via Getty Images)
Tourists can be seen visiting the boardwalk in Belize City before the arrival of Tropical Storm Lisa on November 1, 2022. Photo by Johan ORDONEZ / AFP) (Photo by JOHAN ORDONEZ/AFP via Getty Images)
What People Are Saying
The State Department's website, in part about travel in Honduras, stated in December: "Demonstrations occur regularly throughout the country and can be about a variety of political or economic issues. Protests, demonstrations, tire burnings, and roadblocks are frequent, unpredictable, and can turn violent. They can shutdown roads and highways, often without prior notice or estimated reopening timelines.
"In December 2022, the Government of Honduras declared a 'State of Exception' in response to high levels of extortion and other crimes. The declaration remains in effect and has been modified to include more cities. It allows the police to suspend constitutional rights in 226 of the country's 298 municipalities."
Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary, at a briefing last month: "I think most recognize the U.S. is a great place to do business, a beautiful place to visit, and they should come here because it is a much safer country than four years ago under the previous president."
What Happens Next
The U.S. Embassy has not disclosed details about the threat, and Honduran authorities have not confirmed related warnings or arrests. U.S. citizens are urged to stay alert, avoid crowds, and follow local news, especially around May 6 and May 16. Embassy officials continue to monitor the situation and may issue further updates if needed.
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