In brief
In a tragic incident on Tuesday morning, armed gunmen attacked a gathering of journalists and officials at Haiti's largest public hospital, resulting in the deaths of at least three individuals, including two journalists and a police officer. The event aimed at reopening the State University of Haiti Hospital, known as the General Hospital, quickly turned into chaos when gunfire erupted.
Eyewitness accounts revealed profound shock and fear, as Jephte Bazil, a reporter for Machann Zen Haïti, described the scene, stating, “I’m still in shock... Some went down. They were hit by the bullets.” Video footage from the incident depicted a horrifying scene with bloodstained floors and bodies visibly injured. At least seven more people sustained injuries during the shooting, which continued to echo in the vicinity long after the initial attack.Local gang leader, Johnson (Izo) André, associated with the Viv Ansanm gang coalition, took to social media to claim responsibility for this violent act. The Haitian Prime Minister's office condemned the assault, labeling it “heinous” and an attack on a healthcare institution. The escalating violence is a distressing reminder of the ongoing crisis in Haiti, which has seen a surge in gang-related activities. The Health Ministry has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the incident. As Haiti grapples with increasing brutality, the horrendous shooting raises serious concerns over the safety of citizens and the freedom of the press in an already troubled nation.
