Port-au-Prince, Haiti — A brutal gang attack at the reopening of Haiti's largest public hospital has left two journalists dead and several others wounded, underscoring the country’s alarming levels of violence and the dangers faced by the media. The shooting occurred on Tuesday morning at the General Hospital, where approximately 300 journalists had gathered for the highly anticipated event. The Ministry of Health had invited them to cover the reopening amid hopes of revitalizing the healthcare infrastructure.
The violence erupted shortly after armed members from the Viv Ansanm gang coalition encircled the building. Armed men opened fire indiscriminately at both the media and police present at the event, leading to chaos and panic as journalists scrambled for safety. According to eyewitness accounts, the attack happened around 11 a.m. local time, shortly after most journalists had arrived but before Health Minister Duckenson Lorthe could make his appearance.
Among those killed were journalists Markenzy Nathoux and Jimmy Jean, both of whom were recognized figures within the Haitian media. Nathoux had worked with the Voice of America’s Creole Service and was noted for his dedication to community journalism, remembered fondly by colleagues for his helpful nature and positive spirit. The other journalist, Jean, had been with the online TV outlet Moun Afe Bon. The police confirmed their deaths, along with the death of one police officer.
“It felt like a terrible movie,” said Dieugo André, a photojournalist who witnessed the events. The chaos described echoes the sentiments expressed by many at the scene: fear, confusion, and helplessness. Another survivor, Jean Fregens Regala, shared harrowing details about journalists sustaining severe injuries, some struggling to receive help for hours due to the dire situation inside the hospital.
The Viv Ansanm gang claimed responsibility for the attack, expressing anger over the government's decision to reopen the hospital without their consent. Johnson “Izo” André, the notorious gang leader associated with the coalition, even shared video statements justifying the violence as retribution. He stated, “This act will not go unpunished,” highlighting the pervasive issues of authority and control by gangs over everyday life and governance.
The aftermath of the attack marked the beginning of significant political fallout. Following the deadly incident, Prime Minister Garry Conille held emergency meetings, and Health Minister Duckenson Lorthe was swiftly dismissed from his position for failing to provide adequate safety measures for those invited. The Justice Minister is stepping in as interim health minister.
This incident also shines a spotlight on the broader systemic breakdown facing Haiti since the assassination of former President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. With over 85% of Port-au-Prince under gang control, the once-promising ambitions for democracy and governance have drastically faltered, leading to rampant violence, extortion, and lawlessness.
Haitians continue to suffer the consequences of gang violence, with recent estimates indicating over 5,000 people killed due to such conflicts this year alone. Likewise, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has expressed deep concern over the situation, calling it “absolutely unacceptable” and stressing the need for immediate justice for the victims. A spokesperson for CPJ stated, “We send deepest condolences to the families of those killed and call on Haitian authorities to swiftly bring these killers to justice,” demonstrating the urgency and gravity of the media's plight.
The attack has wide ramifications for journalists and press freedom across Haiti, which has experienced increasing violence against the media, resulting in one of the highest impunity rankings for journalist killings globally. Specifically, Haiti ranks poorly—93rd out of 180 countries—on the Global Press Freedom Index.
Local journalist associations have cried out for justice and reform, citing the healthcare system's collapse and the government's failures. They have categorized the attack as “a macabre scene comparable to terrorism,” urging authorities to not endanger media personnel engaged simply in their journalistic endeavors.
“The lives of reporters are as valuable as the stories we write,” Regala pleaded, calling attention to the precarious position journalists find themselves in under current conditions. “They should not be seen merely as collateral damage,” he emphasized, pushing back against normalization of such violence.
With nearly two decades of stability under constant threat and residents forced to navigate daily life under the domination of street gangs, the humanitarian and political crises continue to deepen in Haiti. International observers and human rights organizations remain on high alert as the situation develops. Amidst the fear and instability, many are left pondering what steps can be taken from here. The situation is dire and sensitive; the eyes of the world remain fixed on Haiti’s struggle for peace and security.
