White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki has called the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise a “horrific crime” and pledged that the Biden administration will stand with the people of Haiti.
In an interview with CNN, Psaki said, “It’s a horrific crime, and we’re so sorry for the loss that they are all suffering and going through as many of them are waking up this morning and hearing this news. And we stand ready and stand by them to provide any assistance that’s needed.”
“We’re still gathering details, we’re still gathering specifics. And of course, our embassy and State Department will be in close touch. It’s a tragedy. We stand with them, and it’s important the people of Haiti know that.” She added.
In a statement, Haiti Prime Minister Dr. Claude Joseph said that, “around one o’clock 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 (Jovenel Moise) and thus fatally wounded the head of state.”
The PM also said that the first lady was wounded by a bullet and is ‘being taken care of.’
Dr. Claude called on the population to remain calm, saying that the security situation of the country is under the control of the national police of Haiti and the armed forces of Haiti.
Jovenel Moise who was born in 1968 has been President of Haiti from 2017 until his assassination in 2021.
