Port-au-Prince, Haiti – A tragic incident unfolded on December 24, 2024, when armed assailants opened fire at a hospital in Haiti’s capital, resulting in the deaths of at least three individuals, including two journalists and a police officer. The attack occurred during a public briefing to announce the reopening of the country’s largest public hospital, which had been previously occupied by gangs.
Witnesses reported that the shooting erupted as journalists awaited the arrival of Health Minister Lorthe Blema. Among the deceased were journalists Markenzy Nathoux and Jimmy Jean, who were killed during the chaos. The police officer’s identity has not yet been disclosed. Several others were injured in the attack, which has drawn widespread condemnation and concern over the deteriorating security situation in Haiti.
The Viv Ansanm gang alliance, which controls significant portions of Port-au-Prince, claimed responsibility for the assault. In an online statement, they expressed their opposition to the reopening of the hospital, which they had occupied and destroyed earlier in the year. The gang’s actions reflect ongoing struggles between armed groups and government authorities in Haiti, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.
The attack has raised alarms about the safety of journalists and medical personnel in Haiti, where violence has surged since the assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. The United Nations has reported that approximately 5,000 people have been killed due to violence in Haiti this year alone, highlighting the urgent need for effective governance and security measures.