US delegation leaves Haiti amid reports of gunshots at the ex-president's funeral

Heightened tensions and violence have plagued the country since the death of its president.

Published: July 23, 2021 2:51pm

Updated: July 23, 2021 4:35pm

The U.S. delegation to Haiti fled the country Friday after reports of gunfire outside the funeral for the assassinated President Jovenel Moïse.

"The presidential delegation is safe and accounted for in light of the reported shootings outside of the funeral," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said, according to The Hill. "They are on their way back to the United States."

Moïse, who was assassinated more than two weeks ago in a late-night raid on his home, has come amid heightened tensions, other reports of gunfire, and protests in the country.

The delegation was led by U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield and included the U.S. Ambassador to Haiti, Michael Sison, special envoy to Haiti, Daniel Foote, and several members of Congress.