The interim prime minister of Haiti, Claude Joseph, released a statement early Wednesday that reveals the president was assassinated hours ago.
The president of Haiti, Jovenel Moise, was assassinated around 0100 local time when "a group of unidentified individuals, some of whom spoke in Spanish," attacked his private residence.
"At around one in the morning, on the night of Tuesday, July 6 to Wednesday, July 7, 2021, a group of unidentified individuals, some of whom spoke in Spanish, attacked the private residence of the president of the Republic and thus mortally wounded the Chief of the state. France24's translation of Joseph's statement.
A gunshot also wounded the First Lady. Joseph asked the public to remain calm, and the "security situation of the country is under the control of the National Police of Haiti and the Armed Forces of Haiti." He said, "all measures are taken to ensure the continuity of the State and protect the Nation. Democracy and the Republic will win."
Haiti has been plagued by insecurity and mistrust of the Moise administration from a large swath of the civilian population. The attackers have yet to be named.
