Police forces in Haiti have killed four people and arrested two others following the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse.
Details surrounding the murder of Moïse are still unclear. Thus far, the Haitian government has informed its citizens that the President was killed during a “well-coordinated attack by a highly trained and a heavily armed group” at approximately 1 a.m. on July 7. In addition to killing the President, the armed group also wounded the nation’s first lady, Martine Moïse. She sustained a gunshot wound and is being treated at Jackson Health System’s Ryder Trauma Center.
“An unidentified group of individuals, some of whom were speaking in Spanish, attacked the private residence of the President of the Republic and mortally wounded him,” Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph said on Wednesday.
“The First Lady was wounded by a bullet and the necessary measures are being taken.”
In the immediate aftermath of the assassination, Haiti’s police force opened a nationwide investigation. During the first day of the investigation, law enforcement was able to free three officers held captive by the gunmen. In addition, officers killed four “suspected gunmen” that are believed to be tied to the assassination. Adding on, two other individuals believed to be tied to the assassination were arrested outside Port-au-Prince.
We are shocked and saddened to hear of the horrific assassination of President Jovenel Moïse and the attack on First Lady Martine Moïse of Haiti. We condemn this heinous act — and stand ready to assist as we continue to work for a safe and secure Haiti.
— President Biden (@POTUS) July 7, 2021
