What is happening in Haiti?
HAITIAN President Jovenel Mose was brutally slain after months of anti-government protests and a "foiled coup." The country was supposed to have elections in 2018 but Mose had ruled that there was too much instability for a fair election. Jovenel Mose, the president of Haiti, was assassinated at his home in the early hours of Wednesday, July 7, by unidentified gunmen, according to the countrys prime minister. His wife, First Lady Martine Mose, was hospitalized after she was reportedly injured in the attack. Haitian Prime Minister Claude Joseph's statement said: A group of individuals who have not been identified, some of whom were speaking Spanish, attacked the private residence of the President of the Republic and fatally injured the Head of State." Joseph condemned the odious, inhumane, and barbaric act and urged for calm across the country. In February, opposition politicians nominated their own president in an effort to drive out Mose whose five-year term had expired. Joseph Mcne Jean-Louis, 72, a judge, said that he accepted the nomination. Mose insisted his term in office ended in February 2022 - a claim accepted by the US. On February 7, the day his presidential term was supposed to end, Mose claimed that a coup had been foiled to overthrow his government and kill him. 23 people were arrested including a senior police officer. 3 Back in February Mose had claimed a coup wanted to overthrow his government and kill him Credit: AFP  "I thank my head of security at the palace," he said at the time. "The goal of these people was to make an attempt on my life. That plan was aborted." On Monday, July 5, Mose announced he was appointing a new prime minister, Dr. Ariel Henry. Henry was tasked with unifying the government and preparing for elections scheduled for later this year. However, Prime Minister Joseph has since assumed control of the country amid the death of Mose, according to AFP. The Biden administration has pledged that they will stand with the people of Haiti during this time. The US Embassy in Haiti is currently on lockdown due to the attack and it is unclear when US employees will be able to return to the building. Just hours after the attack, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki dubbed the incident as a "tragedy." "It's a horrific crime, and we're so sorry for the loss that they are all suffering and going through as many of them are waking up this morning and hearing this news," she said. Adding: "And we stand ready and stand by them to provide any assistance that's needed."