US urges Haiti to bring president's killers to justice

The United States has again condemned the assassination of President Jovenel Moise and urged Haiti to bring the attackers to justice.

US State Department spokesperson Ned Price reiterated the United States’ condemnation of the attack that left the president dead and the first lady injured. 

“We extend our deepest condolences to President Moise's family and his loved ones and to the people of Haiti, in the midst of this tragedy,” he said.

Price said Secretary of State Antony Blinken was briefed on the assassination and the security situation in Haiti. He added that the Department has been in regular contact with acting Prime Minister Claude Joseph.  

He said the US Ambassador to Haiti Michele Sison has been in regular contact with a range of Haitian officials.

“Secretary Blinken started his day this morning with a comprehensive update on the situation on the ground, including the latest developments as we knew them at the time, the security situation. He was briefed by Ambassador Sison, who at this moment happens to be in Washington,” he said at a press briefing Wednesday.

“He was also on the phone with the DCM (Deputy Chief of Mission) who is on the ground in Haiti right now, DCM Nicole Theriot, as well as other members of his team. So we are prepared to receive additional requests for assistance from Haitian authorities.”

Price called on all political parties, civil society groups, and stakeholders to echo the call for calm from acting Prime Minister Claude Joseph.  

“Those who seek to accomplish their political goals through violence and by subverting the rule of law will not succeed in thwarting the Haitian people, and their desire for a better, for a brighter future. We urge Haitian authorities to bring those responsible to justice,” Price said.