PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — An official says Haitian President Jovenel Moïse has been assassinated after a group of unidentified people attacked his private residence.
Interim Premier Claude Joseph says First Lady Martine Moïse is hospitalized.
Joseph condemned what he called a “hateful, inhumane and barbaric act.”
He said Haiti’s National Police and other authorities had the situation in the Caribbean country under control on Wednesday.
The killing comes amid deepening political and economic instability and a spike in gang violence.
White House press secretary Jen Psaki told MSNBC Wednesday that President Joe Biden would be briefed on the situation later that morning.
“The message to the people of Haiti is this is a tragic tragedy,” she said during a previously scheduled interview on CNN. “It’s a horrific crime and we’re so sorry for the loss that they are all suffering and going through as many of them are waking up this morning and hearing this news. And we stand ready and stand by them to provide any assistance that’s needed.”
Biden later released the following statement on the assassination:
"We are shocked and saddened to hear of the horrific assassination of President Jovenel Moïse and the attack on First Lady Martine Moïse of Haiti. We condemn this heinous act, and I am sending my sincere wishes for First Lady Moïse’s recovery. 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."