Haitian President Jovenel Moise Was Assassinated
The Claim
The president of Haiti was assassinated.
News posted on
Emerging story
Rumors that President Jovenel Moise was assassinated and that Haiti’s first lady was also shot went viral on on July 7, 2021.
Misbar’s Analysis
A “highly trained and heavily armed group of men” killed President Moise, according to Claude Joseph, Haiti's interim prime minister:
“It is with deep sorrow that the Government of Haiti can confirm that President Moise has been assassinated. The attack occurred at the Presidential Palace at around 1:00 am on July 7th. Although details are still emerging, at this time it can be confirmed that this was a highly coordinated attack by a highly trained and heavily armed group. Further details on the situation will be provided as soon as possible and we will ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are swiftly brought to justice.”
According to Haiti’s ambassador to the United States, Bocchit Edmond, it is not clear if the killers are still in Haiti or have fled the country. He also added that a video shows the assassins were speaking Spanish.
The country's first lady, Martine Moise, was injured in the attack and will be evacuated to the U.S. for treatment according to CNN.com. Her condition was described as stable but critical.
According to a live update from CNN.com, military personnel from the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Defense have been deployed by air, land, and water to monitor the border region with Haiti. The military operation is called Operation Gabion, meaning “Reinforced Wall Operation” and seeks to safeguard and protect the border region between the two countries.
