The funeral for President Jovenel Moïse devolved into chaos Friday as the US delegation and other dignitaries were rushed to safety as gunfire erupted and crowd control gas was used on nearby protesters.
His casket was placed on a dais garlanded with flowers while a Roman Catholic priest offered a blessing and a Haitian flag was unfurled to the sounds of a brass band and a church choir.
But the solemn occasion was soon interrupted by angry shouts of protest by supporters who accused authorities of responsibility for Jovenel Moïse death, according to our reporter.
The US ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas Greenfield, and the rest of the American delegation cut their visit short amid the gunfire, which erupted about 10 a.m., the Miami Herald reported.
While the group departed earlier than expected, the senior administration official said the ambassador was able to meet with Haitian leaders at the funeral, including new Prime Minister Ariel Henry and Claude Joseph, who just stepped down from the position.
"Our delegation is here to bring a message to the Haitian people: You deserve democracy, stability, security, and prosperity, and we stand with you in this time of crisis," Thomas-Greenfield said in a statement earlier on Friday.