Gunmen Open Fire at Press Conference in Haiti, Killing Two Journalists and a Police Officer

 

Haiti’s fragile security situation took a tragic turn on Tuesday when armed assailants opened fire on a group of journalists attending a press conference to announce the reopening of the State University of Haiti hospital in Port-au-Prince. The attack resulted in the deaths of two journalists and a police officer, with several others left injured.

The press conference, which had been scheduled to mark the hospital’s reopening on Christmas Eve, was abruptly interrupted when gunmen launched an attack as reporters gathered. The State University of Haiti hospital, the country’s largest public healthcare facility, had been closed earlier this year due to escalating violence from street gangs. The government had promised to reopen it, but gang forces have maintained control over large parts of Port-au-Prince.

Johnson “Izo” André, leader of the powerful Viv Ansanm gang coalition, claimed responsibility for the assault through a video posted on social media. In his message, André stated that his gang had not authorized the hospital’s reopening, underlining the control gangs hold over many aspects of life in the capital. The video, which reportedly showed injured reporters on the ground, has not been independently verified.

Robest Dimanche, a spokesperson for the Online Media Collective, confirmed the identities of the slain journalists as Markenzy Nathoux and Jimmy Jean. The Haitian Association of Journalists condemned the attack, calling it "a macabre scene comparable to terrorism," as seven other reporters were wounded during the assault. Haitian authorities, including interim President Leslie Voltaire, expressed their condolences to the victims, with Voltaire condemning the attack as an assault on the nation’s core institutions.

In a statement, the government vowed to respond "firmly" to the violence, calling it "an unacceptable attack on the very foundations of our society."

The shooting occurred around 11 a.m. as journalists awaited Haiti’s new health minister, Duckenson Lorthe Blema, who was expected to lead the press conference. The minister was installed just a month ago following a cabinet reshuffle that saw former Prime Minister Garry Conille ousted.

The State University of Haiti hospital, known locally as the General Hospital, had been closed since March after a surge in gang-related violence in the area, which also contributed to the ousting of former Prime Minister Ariel Henry. The ongoing gang violence has caused severe disruptions to Haiti’s healthcare system, with looting, arson, and destruction of medical facilities and pharmacies.

The escalating violence and ongoing gang control over parts of the capital have overwhelmed the healthcare system, which faces additional challenges from the rainy season. Experts warn that this could exacerbate the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera, with more than 84,000 suspected cases reported by UNICEF.

The deadly attack on Tuesday is a stark reminder of the instability gripping Haiti, with street gangs increasingly dictating the course of daily life and impeding efforts to rebuild essential services like healthcare.