In brief
A tragic shooting incident in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, has left at least three individuals dead, including two journalists and a police officer, during an armed assault at the reopening of the state-run General Hospital on Tuesday morning. Eyewitness accounts indicate that a group of gunmen attacked reporters gathered to cover the event, resulting in chaos and panic. Among the injured are seven others, including another police officer.
Eyewitness, Jephte Bazil, a reporter with Machann Zen Haïti, provided chilling details of the incident shortly after it occurred. “I’m still in shock — they shot at us. Some went down. They were hit by the bullets,” he recounted, with audible gunfire in the background as he spoke. Footage circulating on social media depicted blood-soaked floors and bodies, indicating the grave severity of the situation.The incident drew immediate condemnation from the Haitian authorities. A local gang leader, Johnson (Izo) André, of the Viv Ansanm coalition, claimed responsibility for the attack via social media. The Prime Minister's office issued a statement denouncing the violence, asserting that such actions target a fundamental institution essential to life and health.The health ministry appeared unavailable for comment as the event unfolded, emphasizing the challenges facing healthcare and public safety in the region. As the situation continues to deteriorate, many express concern over the pervasive gang violence impacting daily life in Haiti.
