Port-au-Prince, Haiti - A tragic scene unfolded on December 25, 2023, as armed gangs attacked the reopening of Haiti's largest public hospital, the General Hospital, killing three individuals including two journalists. The shooting, which occurred around 11 AM, left journalists scrambling for safety as bullets flew inside the facility where they had gathered for the highly anticipated event.
Leslie Voltaire, head of Haiti’s Presidential Transitional Council, described the incident as "unacceptable," expressing condolences to the victims' families. The attack, claimed by the Viv Ansanm gang coalition, marked another episode of extreme violence against press members and police, underscoring Haiti’s deteriorated security environment.
Trained on the conditions surrounding the event, journalists waited for the arrival of new Health Minister Duckenson Lorthe Blema when gunfire erupted. Eyewitness Dieugo André, who was on site, recalled the horror vividly, stating, "I have the blood of several injured journalists on my clothes," according to The Haitian Times.
The General Hospital had been shuttered for months due to rampant gang violence, making its reopening significant for the community. Celebrations turned to chaos as armed men linked to the local gang opened fire indiscriminately across the hospital's lobby. Witnesses reported seeing horrified journalists crouched on the floor as stray bullets ricocheted around them.
Initial reports indicate two journalists, Markenzy Nathoux and Jimmy Jean, were among the deceased alongside one police officer. At least seven others sustained injuries, receiving treatment at nearby facilities. Videos streamed by local media during the attack captured the frantic movement within the hospital, displaying the grim reality faced by those on the ground.
Gangs have increasingly targeted hospitals to exert control over areas they dominate, with estimates indicating they now influence around 80-90% of Port-au-Prince. Such violent acts, compounded by political instability following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, have shackled the country and its institutions. The UN has noted the chaotic escalation of events across Haiti, with hospitals remaining dysfunctional due to fear of gang reprisals.
The day of the attack coincided with worsening gang violence reported by the UN, which detailed multiple massacres occurring across the country. A recent report described how notorious gang leaders have been linked to large-scale killings, including the targeted murders of vulnerable groups accused of witchcraft, along with other brutal acts against suspected informants.
During his address, Voltaire reinforced the government's stance on justice, promising families affected by this tragedy will receive support. He stated, "This heinous act... constitutes an unacceptable attack on the very foundations of our society." Government responses to bolster security measures have been slow and marred by inadequate resources and international support.
The aftermath of the shooting horrified many, not just for the loss of life but for what it signifies about the country’s current state. Local journalists expressed dread at the climate of fear engulfing their profession, raising concerns over harassment and threats they face from both gangs and police, who have been known to target media personnel.
Groups advocating for press freedom have criticized the Haitian government for their failure to protect journalists, with rising instances of censoring freedom or acting against press members increasing tension. The Association of Haitian Journalists condemned the latest attack, demanding immediate accountability and protective measures to prevent future violence against media teams.
Port-au-Prince’s General Hospital, symbolizing hope for many Haitians, finds itself at the crossroads of risk, where gunfire often shrouds health-seeking civilians instead of offering sanctuary. The Haitian populace continues to grapple with the dual crises of rising gang power and crumbling public safety.
The tragic events of December 25 not only highlight the perilous state for those working to report on and navigate Haiti's complex healthcare system but serve as poignant reminders of the urgent need for dedicated support from both the Haitian government and international allies to reclaim the streets and institutions from gang control.
