Gang violence has taken another tragic turn in Haiti, as a street gang known as “Viv Ansanm” opened fire on a hospital in the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince, killing at least two journalists, Markenzy Nathoux and Jimmy Jean, and a police officer. The attack occurred during a ceremony marking the reopening of Haiti’s largest public hospital.
According to authorities, the hospital had been closed since February 2024 due to gang attacks and had only recently been reopened on Christmas Eve. However, members of the media gathering for the opening ceremony were caught off guard when the street gang opened fire.
The Haitian Association of Journalists confirmed the deaths and reported that seven reporters were wounded in the shootout. A local clinic is treating those injured, while others are receiving treatment at other hospitals.
This incident highlights Haiti’s ongoing struggle with brutal gang violence. Street gangs now control over 85% of the capital city and have targeted various institutions, including airports, prisons, and clinics.
The Haitian government has vowed to take action against the perpetrators, with President Leslie Voltaire stating that the attack “will not stand without consequences.” The situation in Haiti remains dire, with widespread violence and instability affecting daily life.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/haiti-gang-opens-fire-on-hospital-killing-journalists/a-71155998