Armed Gang Kills Two Journalists and a Police Officer During Haiti Hospital Reopening
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – In a shocking turn of events, an armed gang opened fire on a crowd attending the reopening of the Saint-Jean de Dieu Hospital in Immaculée Conception, Port-au-Prince, resulting in the deaths of two journalists and a police officer. At least seven others, including hospital staff and visitors, were injured in the brazen attack.
The incident occurred as authorities and local leaders gathered to celebrate the refurbishment of the public hospital, which had been closed since the devastating 2010 earthquake. The assailants, believed to be members of an notorious local gang known as "400 Mawozo," reportedly targeted and killed journalists Mardochée example and Louis-Phillipe Jeanty from Radio Sans Fin and Vant Bèf Info.
Police officer Elie Dorfee, who was part of the security detail for the event, also lost his life in the crossfire. The injured, according to hospital sources, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and are currently receiving treatment.
"The situation is dire," said a visibly shaken Dr. Marie recluse, the hospital’s director. "We’ve just reopened our doors to serve the community, and now this. It’s a terrible reminder of the challenges we face daily in Haiti."
Authorities have launched a manhunt for the perpetrators, and the prime minister has vowed to bring them to justice. "Those responsible for this heinous act will be found and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," said the prime minister in a televised statement.
The attack comes amid ongoing gang violence and political instability in Haiti, which has led to a sharp increase in criminal activity and kidnappings. Journalists and law enforcement officers, already vulnerable, have been increasingly targeted in recent months.
International organizations, including the United Nations and the Committee to Protect Journalists, have condemned the attack and called for immediate action to apprehend those responsible and ensure the safety of journalists and police officers in Haiti.
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