Automatic weapons fire rang out in the vicinity of the Champ de Mars during the presidential council’s swearing-in ceremony at the National Palace.
Armed gangs who have been sowing terror for more than a month in the Haitian capital opened fire early this Thursday, near the National Palace, during the swearing-in ceremony of the nine members of the Presidential Council. Heavy fire from automatic weapons rang out in the area, plunging residents of the surrounding areas into a state of fear and uncertainty.
According to witnesses, the shooting was heard as the nine appointed members of the Presidential Council gathered at the national palace to be sworn in as the country’s new leaders following the resignation of Ariel Henry.
Witnesses indicated that the exchanges of fire broke out between the police and members of local gangs who have dreamed of storming the palace since the escalation of violence.
Some citizens present near the palace described scenes of panic as people sought shelter and the streets of Champ de Mars echoed with the sound of gunfire.
At the time of writing this article, the swearing-in ceremony at the National Palace has ended. The second part is scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Villa d’Accueil, on the route de Bourdon, in Musseau (Delmas 60).
Photo: Maxime Louissaint | Juno7
Read also :
