Haiti’s President Jovenel Moïse Assassinated During An Attack On His Home

President Jovenel Moise

Haiti’s President Jovenel Moïse Assassinated During An Attack On His Home

Haiti’s President Jovenel Moïse was unfortunately assassinated during an attack on his home, in the Pelerin 5 district of Pétionville, earlier today (July 7). According to reports, around 1 a.m. President Moïse was fatally wounded when unidentified intruders entered his home. It was initially reported that the nation’s First Lady, Martine Moïse, was injured by a gunshot womb but was alive and receiving treatment. However, according to a tweet by well-known tv personality/writer Omarosa, the First Lady ultimately succumbed to her injures and passed away as well. This has yet to be confirmed.

Haiti’s acting Prime Minister, Claude Joseph, released a statement to confirm the President’s assassination and called the incident an “odious, barbaric” act. The statement added,

“The national security situation of the country is under the control of the Haiti National Police the Armed Forces of Haiti. All measures are taken to ensure continuity and the protection of the nation.”

A resident who lives near the president’s homes shared that she heard the attack.

“I thought there was an earthquake, there was so much shooting. The president had problems with many people, but this is not how we expected him to die. This is something I wouldn’t wish on any Haitian.”

It’s not fully clear why President Moise’s home was attacked or who will step in to replace him as president. Haiti’s President of the Supreme Court would normally be next for presidential succession, however, he recently died of COVID-19.

President Moise was 53 and had been in office for four years at the time of his death

Our thoughts and prayers are with the nation of Haiti and the loved ones of President Jovenel Moise at this time.