According to Haiti's acting prime minister, Jovenel Moïse, the country's embattled president who plunged the country deeper into political chaos throughout his tumultuous one term in power, was slain overnight at his private residence.
Prime Minister Claude Joseph claimed a group of people attacked and killed the president at his private residence, calling it a "odious, barbarous" act.
"Every action is being taken to ensure the continuity of the state in order to protect the nation," Joseph said of the Caribbean country, which has a history of leaders being killed.
According to him, the first lady was hit by a bullet and is receiving treatment.
Joseph stated flatly that some of the unknown gunmen spoke Spanish. Haiti's official languages are French and Haitian Creole.
Moïse went from being known as "Banana Man" to becoming the president.
Moïse, 53, was elected in 2017 after a protracted election process marred by delays and allegations of fraud.
Despite his lack of political experience, Moïse was elected for the position by Michel Martelly, the country's previous president, who stepped down in 2016 without a successor in place.
Moïse was a successful businessman who made a fortune exporting fruits, earning him the nickname "The Banana Man."
More recently, MoseMoïse was under pressure to quit in February, when his opponents believed his five-year tenure was coming to an end. He maintained that he still had another year as president because he took office late.
Haiti is in the midst of a political crisis.
Since the Parliament was disbanded, Moïse, who had seven prime ministers during his brief tenure in office, had been ruling by decree for more than a year.
The political upheaval in the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere has resulted in continual political protests as well as an uncontrollable crime surge fueled by gangs. Kidnappings, as well as food and fuel shortages, are on the rise as rival gangs take control of key sections of the country.
Haiti has also failed to contain the COVID-19 outbreak, which has overrun hospitals and caused an oxygen shortage. The first vaccines arrived in Haiti in mid-June.
On Monday, Moïse announced the appointment of Dr. Ariel Henry as Prime Minister, with the aim of uniting the government and preparation for elections later this year.
So, what's next?
According to the Associated Press, the streets of Port-au-Prince, the capital, were mostly deserted early Wednesday morning, while some people ransacked businesses in one region.
Due to an ongoing security problem, the United States closed its embassy in Tabarre and advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel.
According to the AP, the international airport was also shut down. Haiti-based Sunrise Airways states "all flights are cancelled and/or delayed" as a result of the current situation.
According to Reuters, the Dominican Republic announced the closure of its border with Haiti on the island of Hispaniola.
President Biden condemned the assassination of Moïse, calling it a "horrific assassination." In a statement, he stated, "We condemn this horrific act." "We stand ready to assist as we continue to strive towards a safe and secure Haiti."
The General Secretariat of the Organization of American States issued a statement calling the assassination a "criminal act" that was an insult to other democratic countries.
"Disagreement and dissent are natural parts of a healthy and functioning government. Assassinations of political figures have no place in a democratic society " the statement stated.