Gunmen Attack Haiti’s Hospital, Leaving Three Dead

In a tragic escalation of gang violence in Haiti, armed assailants opened fire at a hospital in downtown Port-au-Prince, leading to the deaths of at least three individuals, including two journalists and a police officer. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning as reporters gathered for the reopening of the State University of Haiti Hospital, a facility locally known as the General Hospital.Eyewitness reports highlight the chaos and panic that ensued during the attack. Jephte Bazil, a journalist from Machann Zen Haïti, described the horrifying scene, stating, “I’m still in shock — they shot at us. Some went down. They were hit by the bullets.” The sound of continued gunfire reverberated in the background of his account, underscoring the precarious security situation in the area. Local gang leader Johnson (Izo) André of the Viv Ansanm gang coalition has reportedly taken responsibility for the assault, posting a video on social media. In response to the tragic event, the prime minister’s office condemned the act, characterizing it as an egregious attack on the health sector and the societal principles that uphold its sanctity.As rescue efforts commenced, video clips shared on social media depicted a harrowing scene with blood-stained floors and lifeless bodies, intensifying concerns over the rampant gang-related violence that has gripped the nation. At least seven others sustained injuries in the shooting, with reports indicating that a police officer was among the wounded. Amidst ongoing instability and uncertainty, this latest tragedy adds to the growing calls for renewed efforts to restore security and public safety in Haiti, where the specter of gang violence continues to loom large.