PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Suspected gang members in Haiti’s capital opened fire on journalists on Tuesday during the attempted reopening of the country’s largest hospital. The attack resulted in injuries and fatalities, though the exact number of casualties remains unknown. Haiti’s interim president, Leslie Voltaire, confirmed that journalists and police were among the victims of the violent incident, expressing condolences and vowing that those responsible would face justice.
Initial reports indicated that seven journalists and two police officers sustained injuries during the attack. Street gangs, which have seized control of a significant portion of Port-au-Prince, have been linked to the violence that has plagued the city. The closure of the General Hospital earlier this year due to gang activity has further strained Haiti’s already fragile healthcare system.
The ambush on journalists occurred as they gathered to cover the reopening of the hospital, highlighting the dangerous environment in which media professionals operate in Haiti. Gang leader Johnson “Izo” André, part of the Viv Ansanm coalition that controls much of the city, claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that the hospital’s reopening had not been authorized by the gang alliance.
Haiti has a history of journalists being targeted, with previous incidents resulting in fatalities. The recent attack adds to the challenges faced by the country’s health system, already burdened by the ongoing violence and destruction caused by gangs. The situation is exacerbated by the approaching rainy season, which poses additional health risks to the vulnerable population.
The assault on journalists underscores the grave security concerns in Haiti, where gang violence has not only disrupted daily life but also severely impacted essential services like healthcare. As the nation grapples with these challenges, calls for accountability and measures to address the root causes of the violence grow louder.
