Haiti has declared two weeks of national mourning as tribute to President Jovenel Moïse, who was assassinated early Wednesday (July 7). According to CNN, the mourning period is set to start on Thursday (July 8) and will end on July 22.
As REVOLT previously reported, a group of armed men forced their way into Moïse’s home at 1 a.m. local time and shot both him and First Lady Martine Moïse. He passed away from his injuries, while his wife remains in stable but critical condition.
Prime Minister Claude Joseph said that the assailants were “heavily trained” and spoke both English and Spanish.
Haitian Ambassador to the US Bocchit Edmond added that the men presented themselves as DEA Agents and were believed to be “mercenaries.” Edmond’s statements have since been denied by State Department spokesperson Ned Price, who said the claims were “absolutely false.” It’s unclear how the attackers got access to the president’s home.
As officials investigate Moïse’s assassination, Haiti is in a “state of emergency.” All borders are closed, and martial law has been imposed. The Haiti National Police and the country’s military have been deployed to enforce the law. Joseph has also requested that citizens stay calm amid the probe.
In the wake of the Haitian president’s slaying, many have sent their condolences to those living amid the chaos. Former President Michel Martelly called the assassination “a hard blow for our country and for Haitian democracy, which is struggling to find its way.”
Wyclef Jean said that he was “saddened by the dramatic daily events in Haiti.” “The assassination of @moisejovenel is an attack on the institution of the presidency & is a tragedy!” he wrote on Twitter. “My prayers r with his family & 4 my Haitian brothers & sisters who are the daily victims of this chaotic situation.”
Joe Biden also sent well wishes to the country. “We are shocked and saddened to hear of the horrific assassination of President Jovenel Moïse and the attack on First Lady Martine Moïse of Haiti,” he said in a statement. “We condemn this heinous act, and I am sending my sincere wishes for First Lady Moïse’s recovery.”