NewsUS organization Missions in Haiti announced Friday that three of their members were shot and killed by a gang in Haiti.
The Oklahoma-based group reported that married couple Davy and Natalie Lloyd, alongside Mission director Jude Montis, were ambushed as they left church in Port-au-Prince on Thursday evening. All three worked for Missions in Haiti, which has been operated by Davy Lloyd’s parents for more than two decades to help Haitian children.
According to a post by the organization on Thursday, Davy and Natalie were ambushed by an armed gang after leaving a youth event at their church. Davy was beaten and tied up while the gang stole their vehicles and belongings. Seeking refuge, Davy, Natalie, and Jude hid in a house on the property. But the gangs riddled the building with gunfire, shattering windows as bullets rained down inside. All attempts to negotiate a safe evacuation or secure help from the authorities proved futile.
Missions in Haiti released a new post on Saturday indicating that the US Ambassador to Haiti is expediting the necessary documentation to repatriate the bodies of the three slain missionaries back to the US. The organization further disclosed that the children under their care, along with staff members, have been relocated to a more secure location amidst the volatile situation.
Spokesperson for the US Department of State Matthew Miller conveyed in a press statement that the US Ambassador to Haiti is in contact with the affected families, offering condolences and assuring them of the US Embassy’s readiness to provide necessary consular assistance. Miller emphasized the urgency of addressing Haiti’s security situation, stating:
Unfortunately, this serves as a reminder that the security situation in Haiti cannot wait – too many innocent lives are being lost. During Kenyan President Ruto’s visit yesterday, President Biden reiterated the United States’ commitment to support the expedited deployment of the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission to bolster the Haitian National Police’s capabilities to protect civilians, restore the rule of law, and pave the way to democratic governance. Working with Congress, we are supporting this MSS mission and other Haitian-led efforts.
The tragedy underscores the dire political and humanitarian crisis gripping Haiti, where an estimated 150-200 armed gangs now operate nationwide according to the UN. In the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area alone, around 23 gangs have divided into two rival coalitions. The first coalition, G-Pèp, is led by Gabriel Jean Pierre, while the other coalition, G9 Family and Allies, is headed by Jimmy Chérizier. Recent coordinated attacks have allowed these factions to seize control of strategic areas, roads, ports and borders, effectively expanding their territory through violence against institutions like hospitals, schools and police stations.
In response to Haiti’s deadly gang violence reaching record highs, the UN Security Council authorized a Multinational Security Support Mission for Haiti in October 2023 through Resolution 2699. Funded by voluntary contributions from UN member states and regional organizations, this mission will support Haiti’s National Police in combating gang violence and restoring security. After lengthy negotiations, Kenya agreed to lead the deployment, though the planned operation faces legal challenges in Kenyan courts.
