In a shocking incident, Haitian President Jovenel Moise was assassinated in an attack on his private residence. As per reports, a group of unidentified people attacked overnight at his residence and killed him. He was 53.
First Lady Martine Moise was severely wounded and taken to hospital following the attack, the country’s interim prime minister said in a statement.
Claude Joseph, who is now in charge of the country, urged the people to remain peaceful while emphasising the police and army would ensure public safety.
“The president was gunned down at his home by foreigners who spoke English and Spanish. The assault took place around 1:00 am (0500 GMT) and left the president’s wife hospitalized,” Joseph said.
Jovenel Moise had ruled the poorest country in the Americas after legislative elections due in 2018 were postponed. In addition to the political crisis, kidnappings for money and the influence of armed gangs in the Caribbean nation have surged in recent months. The country also faces constant poverty and frequent natural disasters.