In brief
A gang attack during a hospital reopening event in Port-au-Prince has resulted in the tragic deaths of two journalists and a police officer, while several others were injured.
In a devastating turn of events, gunmen opened fire at the State University of Haiti Hospital, commonly referred to as the General Hospital, on Tuesday morning, leading to the deaths of three individuals—a police officer and two journalists. The attack occurred as reporters gathered to cover the reopening of the hospital's wing, a key healthcare institution in Haiti's capital.Eyewitness accounts from the scene depicted a chaotic environment, with one reporter, Jephte Bazil, expressing his shock and fear: “They shot at us. Some went down. They were hit by the bullets.” Gunfire continued to reverberate even as he spoke. Emergency services rushed the injured to nearby hospitals, with at least seven individuals reported wounded, including a police officer.The brutal assault has drawn public condemnation from government officials, including the office of Prime Minister, which described the attack as “heinous,” noting that it targets an institution integral to health and life. Responsibility for the shooting was claimed by local gang leader Johnson (Izo) André, who leads the Viv Ansanm (Living Together) gang coalition, through a video message on social media.Video footage shared online showed the aftermath of the violence, with bloodstained floors and lifeless bodies, further highlighting the dire security situation in Haiti. The incident underscores the rising power and boldness of gangs in urban areas, raising alarm over public safety and healthcare accessibility in a fragile nation grappling with multiple crises including political instability and humanitarian challenges.
