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Denver- Haitian police have reported they were able to kill four gunmen of the hit squad responsible for the death of Haiti’s president in the morning of July 7. Police Chief Leon Charles stated that a manhunt is still underway as police battle the remaining gunmen through the streets of Port-au-Prince. The capital is in chaos, as police describe fierce gun battles currently underway throughout the streets near the scene of Moise’s death.
Officials released a video that allegedly shows the suspects outside the residence yelling “DEA [Drug Enforcement Administration] operation, everybody stay down” in English.
They then stormed into the house, where President Moise and his wife were shot. Officers reported the president was shot twelve times during the attack.
Haiti’s US ambassador Bocchit Edmond stated there was “no way” the attackers were working for the US law enforcement agency. The former first lady was flown to a hospital in Florida immediately after the attack, where she is reportedly in stable condition. In addition to shooting the couple, the attackers also ransacked the president’s bedroom and office, and tied up several domestic workers.
Officers reportedly blocked the suspects “as they left the scene of the crime,” where the firefight ensued. The gunmen were described by officers as “well armed,” and have posed a significant challenge for Hatian police officers. The interim president Claude Joseph revealed that the suspects were mostly “foreigners who spoke english and spanish,” and Hatian police announced they arrested one US citizen amongst the group.
It is still unclear what motives the hit squad had to carry out the deadly attack, but many in the country speculate political rivalry may have been the underlying cause. The president recently faced intensifying calls for his resignation by opposition leaders who accused the president of staying in office past his term limit. Moise appointed seven prime ministers during his presidency, the latest one being Ariel Henry two days before Moise’s death. However, because Moise died before the official swearing-in, Joseph has assumed both the prime minister position, as well as the presidency. Since the attack, Joseph has declared a state of emergency for the next two weeks, which will allow the president to utilize the military as a policing force and expand several other executive powers.
Several world leaders have released statements condemning the attack, and the UN Security Council is scheduled to hold a closed-door meeting today to discuss the situation. Haitians have largely remained indoors, and the streets are deserted as the Haitian police continue to secure the area.
