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As the world comes to grips with the shocking news of Wednesday’s assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse, Democratic lawmakers are speaking out about the killing of the unpopular president and the current dangerous state of affairs in Haiti.
House Haiti Caucus co-chairs Reps. Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Val Demmings (FL-10), and Andy Levin (MI-09) issued the following statement regarding Moïse’s assassination:
“The assassination of Haitian President Moïse was a horrific act and stands as a clarion call for swift and decisive action to bring political stability and peace to a nation in crisis. We are extending our condolences to his family and loved ones. We are also praying for First Lady Martine Moïse,” said the co-chairs. “We also call for full transparency and an independent investigation into this criminal act. We remain committed, more than ever, to working diligently alongside the Biden Administration in support of ushering in an equitable, inclusive Haitian-led democracy. One that reestablishes rule of law, reinforces institutions of Haitian-led governance, and centers the safety and human rights of every Haitian citizen.”
New York Congressman Mondaire Jones (NY-17), who represents a large contingent of Haitian-Americans, said this:
“I am horrified to learn of the assassination of President Moïse of Haiti. While many questions remain to be answered, it is clear that Haiti is in the midst of a deepening humanitarian and political crisis that demands action. To start, the Biden Administration should immediately honor my request, in a letter signed by 30 members of the Congressional Black Caucus, that it establish a process to return individuals unjustly deported from the U.S. to Haiti, including my constituent Paul Pierrilus. As someone who grew up in, and now represents, one of the largest Haitian-American communities in the country, I want Haiti and its people to know peace, and I’ll continue working to make that happen. In the meantime, my team and I are closely monitoring the situation and stand ready to assist any constituents impacted by this crisis in any way that we can.”
Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), Chairwoman of the House Committee on Financial Services and longtime leader on U.S. – Haiti relations and friend of the Haitian people, said the following:
“I extend my thoughts and prayers to the people of Haiti. The unfortunate assassination of Jovenel Moïse, the president of Haiti, further exacerbates the ongoing political and constitutional crisis plaguing the country. Jovenel Moïse had been ruling Haiti by decree, and as of late, I have been very concerned about the increase in violence across the country under his rule. I am hopeful that the United States can be helpful during this critical time by cooperating with the people of Haiti to manage this crisis and assisting them as they try to move forward and establish a just, peaceful, and democratic government.”
