Two journalists lost their lives, and several others were injured in a brutal gang attack during the planned reopening of Haiti’s largest public hospital in Port-au-Prince on Tuesday, according to the country’s Online Media Collective. A police officer was also killed in the incident.
The General Hospital, closed earlier this year due to gang activity, was scheduled to reopen on Christmas Eve. The event, which drew journalists eager to cover the hospital’s return to service, quickly descended into chaos when suspected gang members opened fire, disrupting the ceremony and forcing attendees to flee for their lives.
Robest Dimanche, spokesperson for the Online Media Collective, identified the deceased journalists as Markenzy Nathoux and Jimmy Jean. Several other reporters sustained injuries in the attack, which Dimanche attributed to the Viv Ansanm gang coalition. “This macabre scene is comparable to terrorism, pure and simple,” declared the Haitian Association of Journalists, condemning the violence.
Condolences and Government Response
Interim President Leslie Voltaire addressed the nation in the wake of the attack, offering his sympathies to the victims, including members of the press and law enforcement. “I send my condolences to the victims, the national police, and the journalists,” Voltaire said, though he did not provide specific casualty figures.
In an official statement, the Haitian government denounced the attack as a “heinous act” against an institution dedicated to health and life. Authorities vowed a strong response to bring the perpetrators to justice. However, no arrests have been reported so far.
Disturbing Footage Surfaces
Videos circulating on social media, allegedly captured by journalists trapped inside the hospital during the attack, depict the harrowing aftermath. Two lifeless bodies, reportedly those of the slain journalists, are seen on stretchers with visible press credentials and blood-stained clothing. Other clips show injured reporters lying on the floor, awaiting help. The authenticity of these videos has not yet been independently verified.
Gang Control and Escalating Violence
Street gangs dominate approximately 85% of Port-au-Prince, frequently targeting critical infrastructure, including hospitals, airports, and prisons. Johnson “Izo” André, a notorious gang leader and member of the Viv Ansanm coalition, released a video on social media claiming responsibility for the hospital attack. In the video, André stated that the coalition had not authorized the facility’s reopening.
The attack has reignited concerns about the worsening security situation in Haiti, where gang violence continues to cripple the nation’s ability to provide essential services. Human rights organizations and international observers have called for urgent action to address the escalating crisis.
A Call for Justice
The Haitian Association of Journalists and other advocacy groups have urged the government to take decisive action to protect press freedom and ensure the safety of journalists. “This act of barbarism is an attack on the very fabric of democracy and public accountability,” a statement from the association read.
As the country mourns the tragic loss of Markenzy Nathoux and Jimmy Jean, the spotlight remains on the Haitian government’s ability to restore security and uphold justice amid a climate of pervasive violence.
Sourse: Reuters
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