Haitian police have launched an investigation into the tragic deaths of a young American couple and their Haitian co-worker, who were killed in a violent gang attack in Haiti earlier this week. The missionaries, who were part of a Christian non-profit organization called Missions in Haiti, were ambushed by a gang while in Port-au-Prince.
The couple, in their early 20s, were identified as Natalie and Davey Lloyd. Davey's father recounted the harrowing details of the attack, revealing that the gang tied up and beat Davey before shooting and killing the couple. A third victim, a Haitian staffer named Jude who had been with the organization for 20 years, also lost his life in the attack.
The incident underscores the escalating gang violence in Haiti, where gangs have gained control over significant parts of the country. The capital city, Port-au-Prince, is reportedly under the control of gangs, leading to widespread chaos and insecurity.
The United Nations estimates that around 80% of the capital city is under gang control, with reports of heinous crimes such as rape, kidnappings, and murder becoming increasingly common. The situation has forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes, turning them into refugees in their own cities.
In response to the crisis, Kenya has pledged to lead a UN-backed multinational support mission to Haiti, with plans to deploy at least 1000 Kenyan police officers to assist in restoring order. The United States has also offered support by providing equipment and intelligence, although President Biden has stated that US troops will not be deployed to the region.
The White House expressed condolences to the families of the victims, acknowledging the unimaginable grief they are experiencing. Missions in Haiti, along with other organizations, had previously warned about the deteriorating situation in Haiti, with fears that the country is on the brink of collapse under the control of gangs.
The tragic deaths of the three missionaries serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing crisis in Haiti and the urgent need for international intervention to address the escalating gang violence and restore stability to the country.
