Police have launched an investigation into a late-night gunfire incident near the Office of the President after a vehicle belonging to the presidential office was damaged and a suspected 9mm warhead was recovered from the compound.
The incident occurred at about 9:15 p.m. Friday, according to the Guyana Police Force, which said several people have since been questioned as investigators work to establish what happened.
The police investigation began after a rank assigned to security duties at the location reported hearing what sounded like a gunshot from the direction of the Square of the Revolution.
A subsequent inspection of the compound uncovered damage to the windscreen of a motor bus attached to the Office of the President. The vehicle was parked on the northeastern side of the compound and was facing south.
Investigators later found what they believe to be a 9mm warhead on the ground directly in front of the bus. Police said the projectile has been secured and is being held for examination to determine its significance to the incident.
The Guyana Police Force has also begun reviewing surveillance footage from the area in an effort to trace the circumstances surrounding the reported gunshot and determine whether the vehicle was struck by the projectile.
“CCTV footage is being reviewed and several persons have been questioned as part of the ongoing investigation,” police said.
Authorities have not disclosed the identities of those questioned, nor have they indicated whether anyone has been arrested or charged.
Police have also not suggested a motive or established whether the vehicle was deliberately targeted. Those questions are expected to form part of the ongoing investigation, including forensic examination of the recovered warhead and the damaged windscreen.
The investigation remains active as police examine the physical evidence, surveillance footage and statements from persons who may have been in or around the compound when the gunshot was heard.
