One day after Haitian president Jovenel Moïse was assassinated in his home, it’s being reported that the United States will offer assistance for the case.
According to a report The Hill published today (July 8), Ned Price, who works as the spokesperson for the U.S Department of State, has confirmed that the U.S. will help Haitian police with their investigation into the assassination of Moïse.
“We are aware of the Haitian national police’s request for investigative assistance and the United States is responding,” Price said. “The situation on the ground is evolving rapidly. We’ve remained in regular contact with Haitian officials including the investigative authorities to discuss how the United States can assist going forward,” he continued.
The U.S. is reportedly in close contact with Prime Minister Claude Joseph. The site says it’s unclear which of the U.S. agencies will be assisting Haiti.
President Moïse was shot and killed in his home yesterday. He was reportedly shot 12 times and left with one of his eyes being blown out. His wife was left in critical condition after being shot during the incident.
Earlier today, it was reported that James Solages, reportedly a U.S. citizen of Haitian descent, had been arrested for a role in the crime. Six attackers were arrested for roles in the attack, and it’s believed that at least one more person in the group could be an American of Haitian background. Seven other suspects were shot and killed by police.
News of Moïse’s assassination sent shockwaves through the world, and naturally, people who call the country home are even more affected. Speaking on the matter, Wyclef Jean, a Haiti native, expressed his condolences.
“Saddened by the dramatic daily events in Haiti,” he tweeted yesterday. “The assassination of @moisejovenel is an attack on the institution of the presidency & is a tragedy! My prayers r with his family & 4 my Haitian brothers & sisters who are the daily victims of this chaotic situation.”