Gunfire Erupts At Funeral Of Slain Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, Report Says
Topline
Gunfire broke out Friday during the funeral of former Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, according to the Miami Herald, as Haiti remains in a state of turmoil more than two weeks after Moïse’s assassination.
Supporters of slain Haitian President Jovenel Moise are blocked from attending Moise’s funeral … [+]
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Key Facts
Representatives from the U.S. and the U.N. abruptly left the funeral after the shots rang out, according to the Miami Herald, which had a reporter attending the funeral.
Moïse’s body is set to be laid to rest Monday in his hometown of Cap-Haitien, where the funeral was taking place.
Hundreds of Moïse supporters reportedly clashed with security forces outside of the private ceremony, and yelled “assassin!” when Haiti’s National Police Chief León Charles arrived at the funeral.
The U.S. State Department did not immediately return a request for comment from Forbes.
Key Background
High tensions have led to violence across Haiti ever since a group of assassins broke into Moïse’s home during the early morning hours on July 7, killing the president and seriously injuring the first lady, who was airlifted to Florida and survived the attack. Haitian authorities have taken more than two dozen suspects into custody, including at least 18 former Colombian soldiers. Haiti’s police chief also said a Florida-based doctor was arrested as the “central” figure in the assassination. The exact motive for the killing remains unclear, though police have said they are still searching for a former Haitian rebel leader they believe might have been involved in the plot. Moïse’s time in office was marred by a rise in fuel prices that led to protests, and Moïse had been facing calls to resign before he was assassinated.
Tangent
Ariel Henry is now serving as Haiti’s prime minister and the country’s acting president, after assuming power on Tuesday. Henry was appointed as prime minister by Moïse one day before the president was assassinated, but former Prime Minister Claude Joseph retained power and named himself as acting president during the ensuing chaos. The transfer of authority this week relieved concerns of a potential power struggle at the top of the country’s government.
Further Reading
Shots fired at Jovenel Moïse’s funeral in Cap-Haitien. U.S., U.N. delegations leave (Miami Herald)
Haiti’s First Lady Still Alive, Arrives In Florida After Being Shot During Husband’s Assassination (Forbes)
Florida-Based Doctor Arrested As ‘Central’ Suspect In Haitian President’s Assassination (Forbes)
Haitian President Jovenel Moïse Assassinated In Overnight Attack On His Residence (Forbes)
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