(Brooklyn, NY) -- Haitian-American Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn released the following statement after news of this morning's Assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse. First Lady Martine Moïse was also injured in the attack.
"Earlier this morning, we learned that the President of Haiti, Jovenel Moïse, was fatally gunned down in his private home. The first lady, Martine Moïse was also shot and hospitalized. Her condition is not yet clear.[1] The President leaves behind three children.
I am saddened about the horrific events that occurred in Haiti, which follow an unstable period for the country, which failed to hold free and fair elections. I pray for the Moïse family as they mourn their loss. I also pray for the security and peace of Haiti.
Haiti is currently being led by Prime Minister Claude Joseph, who described the attack as a 'hateful, inhumane and barbaric act.' [2]
Haiti has always been resilient. We fought and gained our independence in 1804 and our people continue to break barriers and reach new heights across the globe.
My hope is that Haiti will overcome this turbulent time, hold a democratic election and recover as a country."
[1] https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/07/world/americas/haiti-president-killed.html
[2] https://abc7ny.com/haiti-president-assassinated-jovenel-moise-haitian-killed-murdered/10867673/