​Prior to the attack, the Prime Minister attended a Te Deum at the cathedral in the city of Gonaïves​

Gonaïves, January 2 (RHC)-- The Prime Minister of Haiti, Ariel Henry, escaped unharmed Saturday from an attack that occurred while he was participating in a ceremony to commemorate 218 years of national independence.

After the Te Deum in the cathedral of the city of Gonaïves, the prime minister was the target of an armed attack as he left the religious temple, in a shooting that left at least one dead and several wounded.

A video circulating on social networks shows the moment when Henry leaves the Saint Charles de Borome church and gunshots are heard, causing a security team to take the Prime Minister to safety.  The area was heavily guarded by police because an irregular armed group operating in the area warned the Haitian ruler not to show up in Gonaïves.

Minutes before the attack, Henry posted on his Twitter social network account that he was participating "in the traditional Te Deum that takes place in Gonaïves at the Saint Charles de Borome church," as part of the celebration of the 218th anniversary of national independence.

Due to the failed attack against Henry, the other events scheduled for the commemoration of Haiti's independence from France, proclaimed on January 1, 1804, were cancelled.  

Haiti is going through a political and social crisis which worsened since July 7, with the assassination of President Jovenel Moise by a group of mercenaries.