According to the chief of Haiti's National Police Force, four people accused of carrying out President Jovenel Moise's assassination were killed in a gunfight with police.
Two additional individuals, whom Chief Léon Charles described as "mercenaries," were apprehended during the gunfight, he told reporters in Port-au-Prince. The suspected assassins released three police officers who had been taken captive. Charles didn't disclose any other details about the operation.
Moise was gunned murder during a predawn raid on his private residence in a posh Port-au-Prince district, prompting a manhunt. Haiti's border with the Dominican Republic, as well as its airports, are blocked, according to Bocchit Edmond, Haiti's ambassador to the United States.
When asked by VOA if officials knew the nationality of the gunmen, Edmond replied he didn't know, but the killers posed as DEA agents, according to video footage collected by the national police and judged reliable.
Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph proclaimed a state of siege and declared himself the country's leader.
According to the ambassador, first lady Martine Moise, who was also shot during the attack, is stable but critical. Her treatment has been transferred to a hospital in Miami, Florida. One of the president's children, who was at home at the time of the incident, was taken to a safe area.
Reaction in the United States
In a statement sent by the White House, US President Joe Biden condemned the assassination and conveyed sympathy.
“We condemn this heinous act, and I send my heartfelt condolences to First Lady Mose. The United States expresses its sympathies to the people of Haiti, and we stand ready to assist as we fight to ensure that Haiti remains safe and secure.”
The attack, according to Biden, was "worrisome."
Before boarding Marine One en way to Joint Base Andrews on Wednesday morning, he responded to a reporter's inquiry, "We need a lot more information."
The reaction of the World leaders
The Permanent Council of the Organization of American States held a virtual emergency meeting in Washington on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the assassination of Moise. The killing was denounced by member states, who conveyed their sorrow and solidarity with the Haitian people.
Ambassador Brad Freden of the United States expressed dismay at the news and expressed concern for Haiti's security and political stability. He urged all political actors to put their differences aside and work for the Haitian people's common benefit.
The United Nations Security Council president, French Ambassador Nicolas de Riviere, expressed horror at the assassination in New York.
Thursday morning, the council will meet in private to discuss the situation.
“We are at a crossroads. Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ireland's ambassador, told reporters, "I think we all knew it was sensitive and difficult on the ground in Haiti." She stated that the group would consider how it could assist the Haitian people.
“I believe they are going through a difficult time right now, and we want to make sure we can express our support for the people of Haiti,” she stated.
As part of its political mission in Haiti, the UN employs approximately 1,200 people.
Legislators in the United States reacted.
On Capitol Hill in Washington, New York Democrat Gregory Meeks, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, expressed his sympathies to the Moise family and the Haitian people. He also expressed his worries about the possibility of violence.
“Haiti's democracy is under threat due to escalating violence and political assassinations. “My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti as we all hope for peace and stability,” Meeks said in a statement. “I will do everything in my power to support a thorough investigation and hold those responsible accountable.”
Michael McCaul of Texas, the committee's top Republican, also issued a statement denouncing the tragedy and demanding an investigation.
“I strongly condemn Haitian President Jovenel Mose's assassination and hope that his wife, who was injured in the attack, recovers quickly. For his murder, a thorough investigation and due accountability are required. My heartfelt sympathies to the Mose family and the Haitian people.”
Amnesty International has called for an investigation into Moise's assassination, calling it a "shocking indicator of Haiti's long-running human rights and political crisis."
“This is a wake-up call for the international community, as well as the Haitian authorities, who have overseen a culture of impunity and ignored the calls of human rights defenders, paving the way for such a serious crisis,” said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Amnesty International's regional director for the Americas.
The recent increase in violence
Political instability and discord, as well as an increase in gang violence, have plagued Haiti.
Last week, gang leader Jimmy Cherisier, also known as Barbecue, marched to the streets in Port-au-Prince to oppose Moise's government and demand that he quit.
“Moise (Jovenel) must leave!” During the rally, Cherisier told reporters. “This country needs a new group of people to lead it, and we need to sit around a table and have a national dialogue to redefine it.”
Joseph has urged for calm to comfort the people. “Remain calm. The country is safe. “Let us seek harmony,” he urged.
During his press conference, Edmond reaffirmed that message.
“Violence isn't the solution. He stated, "There is no future in that."
