Police in Haiti Arrest Suspect Accused of Planning President's Assassination

By Alyssa Wilson Published: July 12, 2021

Police in Haiti Arrest Suspect Accused of Planning President’s Assassination

FILE PHOTO: Haiti's President Jovenel Moise speaks during an interview with Reuters at the National Palace of Port-au-Prince, Haiti January 11, 2020. REUTERS/Valerie Baeriswyl/File Photo

By: Alyssa Wilson

Police in Haiti have arrested a suspect they believe planned the assassination of President Jovenel Moise.

According to CNN, 63-year-old Christian Emmanual Sanon was arrested. He entered the country on a private jet in June, Haitian Police Chief Leon Charles said at a news conference. Sanon allegedly communicated with a Venezuelan security firm based in Florida to recruit 26 Colombian mercenaries and two Haitian Americans.

On Sunday, officials with the United States Department of Justice, Homeland Security, State Department and White House National Security Council traveled to Haiti and met with authorities leading the investigation.

National Security Council spokeswoman Emily Horne said the U.S. officials met with Claude Joseph, the acting Prime Minister in Haiti, and Ariel Henry, Prime Minister-designate, The Hill reported. During the meeting, they discussed ways “to encourage open and constructive dialogue to reach a political accord that can enable the country to hold free and fair elections.”

Haiti has also requested troops from the U.S. to help the country protect against unrest following Moise’s assassination. The U.S. does not reportedly have a plan to send military aid, but instead will determine ways they can best assist.

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