Interior Minister Visits Police Officers Injured in Shootings

Uruguay's Interior Minister Carlos Negro visited health centers to check on police officers who were recently wounded in the line of duty. The minister's visit followed two separate incidents where officers sustained gunshot injuries.

On Thursday night, a police officer was shot while investigating reported gunfire in the Peñarol neighborhood. The officer, who was in an unmarked vehicle, was struck by bullets fired from a house and is reportedly out of danger. The incident was detected by the ShotSpotter system, which alerted authorities to the gunfire.

On Friday, two more officers were injured during an operation responding to a robbery in progress at a residence between the Atahualpa and Prado neighborhoods. Upon arrival, police encountered gunfire, resulting in both officers being shot. One officer suffered a leg injury, possibly a fracture, while the other sustained more severe wounds, including two gunshots to the shoulder and torso. The latter officer is scheduled for surgery, with one projectile reportedly penetrating an unprotected area of his ballistic vest.

Minister Negro expressed the government's commitment to supporting the injured officers and their families, stating that no effort is being spared to protect the National Police. He emphasized their role on the front lines against crime, working to ensure security for all citizens.