Jovenel Moise death: Gunmen posed as US drug investigators

The nation of Haiti is experiencing unrest following the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise this week. As reports begin to surface that look into the events that led to the murder, recent footage of what happened revealed that the gunmen responsible posed as US drug investigators.

Moise was assassinated in his private home overnight, with his wife Martine Moise left severely injured. The first lady was rushed to the hospital shortly after the murder to receive treatment. Haitian Interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph condemned the murder and claimed that the gunmen were part of a Spanish-speaking “commando group.”

With Moise’s mansion located in a safe and secure neighborhood just outside the country’s capital of Port-au-Prince, video footage revealed a gunman speaking in English with an American accent. The gunman claimed to be working for the US Drug Enforcement Administration. The gunman entered the complex in Petionville, he shouted “DEA operation. Everybody stand down.”

Since the assassination, Joseph has declared a state of emergency as officials look to investigate the crime. Moise’s death also comes at a time where he was being accused of trying to impose dictatorship in the country.

Many world leaders have condemned the murder, including United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson and US President Joe Biden. Biden released a statement Wednesday after the news of the murder, condemning the assassination while also assuring Haiti that the US is ready to offer assistance if needed.

“The United States offers condolences to the people of Haiti, and we stand ready to assist as we continue to work for a safe and secure Haiti,” said the US leader in the statement.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki also echoed Biden’s remarks that the US is ready to provide assistance if needed. Psaki added that the US government has reached out to the Haitian government and is keeping tabs on any developments of the incident.

Haiti’s ambassador to the US Bocchit Edmond also called on the US and other countries to provide assistance to the country’s armed forces following the assassination that occurred. Edmond said that security assistance would be the current priority rather than economic aid.