US delegation flees Haiti after gunshots fired at Moise’s funeral

The delegation US President Joe Biden sent to Haiti to attend the funeral of assassinated President Jovenel Moïse has fled the country after gunshots were fired outside the ceremony location.

The delegation is “safe”, the White House said on Friday.

“The presidential delegation is safe and accounted for in light of the reported shootings outside of the funeral,” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters. “They are on their way back to the United States.”

“We are deeply concerned about unrest in Haiti. In this critical moment, Haiti’s leaders must come together to chart a united path that reflects the will of the Haitian people,” Psaki continued. “We remain committed to supporting the people of Haiti in this challenging time.”

The delegation to the funeral was led by American Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield. The delegation also included US Ambassador to Haiti Michele Sison, newly announced Special Envoy to Haiti Daniel Foote, the National Security Council’s senior Director for the Western Hemisphere Juan Gonzalez, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-Neb.).

Officials were scheduled to attend the state funeral for Moïse, who was assassinated earlier this month at his residence. However, they returned home earlier than originally expected due to the security concern, according to a source familiar with the situation.

“The Haitian people deserve democracy, stability, security, and prosperity, and we stand with them in this time of crisis,” Thomas-Greenfield said on Twitter. “We urge everyone to express themselves peacefully and refrain from violence.”

Reuters reported that gunshots were fired near the funeral and riot gas was used on protesters, which caused the US delegation to abruptly leave the funeral.

ME