Two Haitian Americans Arrested as Suspects in Presidential Assassination Attempt

Haitian Police "6 Suspects Arrested, 7 Killed"
U.S. State Department "Cannot Confirm If Americans Are Included"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Amid the arrest of six suspects in the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Mo?se, it has been reported that two of them are U.S. citizens, raising concerns about diplomatic repercussions. The U.S. government has stated it will actively support the Haitian authorities' request for assistance in the investigation.

According to foreign media including the Associated Press (AP) on the 8th (local time), Leon Charles, Chief of the Haitian National Police, said at a press conference that "six suspects have been arrested, and seven were killed," adding, "We are continuing to track down the remaining members and are searching for the masterminds behind the attack." While Haitian authorities have not disclosed detailed identities of the suspects, it is known that two of the arrested individuals hold U.S. citizenship.

The Washington Post (WP), citing Mathias Pierre, Haiti's Minister of Elections, reported that "two of the suspects are Haitian-Americans, and one of them is a man named James Solages." Solages is known to have previously worked as a security guard at the Canadian Embassy in Haiti.

Local footage released by major foreign media on the same day showed two men presumed to be suspects handcuffed and under the watch of armed police as they were placed into a police vehicle. According to AP, these suspects were hiding in the bushes in Port-au-Prince when they were discovered by residents. While people were pushing and hitting them, police arrived and took them away. Residents gathered in front of the police station where the suspects were detained, shouting "Burn them right now." Haitian authorities reportedly deployed special forces to the police station to prevent residents from approaching.

Meanwhile, with U.S. citizens reportedly involved in the assassination of the Haitian president, the U.S. government expressed a perplexed stance. Ned Price, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, said at a press conference that he could not confirm reports that U.S. citizens were among the arrested suspects in the assassination. He emphasized, "The U.S. government is in regular contact with Haitian officials to discuss ways to support the investigation following the Haitian authorities' request for assistance."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.