US delegation leaves Haiti after reports of gunfire at ex-president’s funeral

A presidential delegation to the funeral of assassinated Haitian President Jovenel Moïse left Haiti earlier than expected on Friday after reports of gunfire outside the ceremony venue.

“The presidential delegation is safe and sound in light of the shootings reported outside the funeral,” said the White House press secretary. Jen psakiJen PsakiOvernight Health Care: Biden officials say there are no changes to masking guidelines yet | Missouri Supreme Court rules in favor of Medicaid expansion | Mississippi Attorney General asks Supreme Court to quash Roe v. Wade Biden stokes frustration with Canada White House denounces China’s ‘dangerous’ rejection of study into the origins of coronaviruses MORE told reporters on Friday afternoon.

“We are deeply concerned about the unrest in Haiti. At this critical moment, Haitian leaders must unite to chart a united path that reflects the will of the Haitian people, ”added Psaki. “We remain committed to supporting the Haitian people during this difficult time. “

United States Ambassador to the United Nations Linda thomas greenfieldLinda Thomas-GreenfieldState and Dems call on Cruz to suspend discussions before main Russian talks Cooperation between the United States and Russia extends access to main Syrian humanitarian passage UN warns of worsening famine in the context of the conflict in the Tirgay region of Ethiopia led the presidential delegation to the funeral of the Haitian leader who died on Friday. Officials were expected to attend the state funeral for Moïse, who was assassinated earlier this month at his residence, and meet with Haitian stakeholders.

NBC News reported that the group left earlier than expected but officials were still able to meet the new Haitian Prime Minister, Ariel Henry, at the funeral.

According to Reuters, shots were fired near the funeral and riot gas was used on protesters. The events would have prompted the American delegation to abruptly leave the funeral.

Greenfield issued a statement Friday afternoon claiming members of the delegation had “arrived safely in the United States.”

The delegation also included the United States Ambassador to Haiti Michele Sison, the newly announced special envoy to Haiti Daniel Foote, the senior director of the National Security Council for the Western Hemisphere Juan Gonzalez, the chairman of the affairs committee. foreigners from the House of Representatives. Gregory MeeksGregory Weldon Meeks Critical Race Theory Becomes Mid-Term Focus Lawmakers Spend More on Personal Security Following Insurgency Passport Backlog Threatens to Shake Travel Plans for Millions of Americans MORE (DN.Y.) and Rep. Jeff FortenberryJeffrey (Jeff) Lane Fortenberry Recovering America Through the Lens of Wildlife The Hill’s Morning Report – Brought to you by Facebook – Senate path uncertain after Jan 6 panel approval Marjorie Taylor Greene’s delay tactics frustrate the GOP PLUS (R-Neb.).

White House National Security Advisor Jake sullivanJake Sullivan No. 2 State Department official to visit China amid Pence v. Tensions Biden on China: Competing But Coherent Visions Putin Escapes Responsibility for Chemical Weapons Use MORE said in a subsequent statement that the United States urges “all parties to speak out peacefully and calls on Haitian leaders to be clear that their supporters must refrain from violence.”

“At this critical time, Haitian leaders must work together and engage in a broad and inclusive dialogue that reflects the will of the Haitian people,” said Sullivan “The presidential delegation, led by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, and joined by Representative Meeks and Representative Fortenberry, met with senior Haitian officials and civil society leaders and shared this message directly. “

The funeral was held in the city of Cap-Haitien on Friday amid continuing unrest and violence in the country. The area was greeted with protests leading up to Moses’ funeral.

The United States offered assistance to Haitian authorities to investigate the assassination. Several people were arrested during the investigation.

President BidenJoe BidenOvernight Defense: Senate panel adds B to Biden’s defense budget | House Passes Bill to Streamline Visa Process for Afghans Who Helped the United States | Pentagon confirms that 7 Colombians arrested in murder of leader in Haiti had received US money training: Senate prepares for debt ceiling fight | Democrats call for changes to bipartisan agreement | House prices hit new high in June Hillicon Valley: Democrats introduce bill to hold platforms accountable for disinformation during health crises | Website crashes hit Olympics, Amazon and big banks MORE resisted calls made earlier this month by then-interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph to send troops to the country to help protect critical infrastructure.

A separate U.S. delegation traveled to Haiti earlier this month to meet with authorities and political leaders to assess how the United States could assist in the aftermath of the assassination.

“The United States will continue to provide requested assistance, including equipment and training, to the Haitian National Police and the Government of Haiti in the context of current security challenges,” Sullivan said Friday. “In addition, the Ministries of Justice and Internal Security are providing assistance to the Haitian authorities in matters of investigation at the request of the Government of Haiti, and will continue to work closely with our international partners to support the Haitian government. in his efforts to hold those responsible for the assassination of President Moïse to account.

Update: 5:20 p.m.