Haitian Gang Violence Claims Lives of US Missionary Couple and Local Director

On May 23, 2024, a tragic attack by Haitian gangs in Port-au-Prince resulted in the deaths of three missionaries, including a young American couple, Davy and Natalie Lloyd, and local director Jude Montis.

Why this matters:

This incident highlights the dire security situation in Haiti, where gangs control a significant portion of the capital city, and the government struggles to maintain order. The killing of humanitarian workers may lead to a decrease in aid and assistance to the country, exacerbating the crisis.

The Lloyds, from Claremore, Oklahoma, were ambushed by gang members while leaving a youth group event at a local church in the Lizon community of northern Port-au-Prince. They were affiliated with Missions in Haiti Inc., a nonprofit organization founded by David and Alicia Lloyd in 2000.

According to a Facebook post by Missions in Haiti, the Lloyds were attacked by three trucks full of men. Davy Lloyd was taken inside and beaten, and the gang members stole the organization's vehicles and other items. However, when a second gang arrived, one of its members was killed, leading to further violence.

Natalie Lloyd's father, Missouri State Representative Ben Baker, expressed his grief on social media: "My heart is broken in a thousand pieces. I've never felt this kind of pain. Most of you know my daughter and son-in-law Davy and Natalie Lloyd are full-time missionaries in Haiti. They were attacked by gangs this evening and were both killed. They went to Heaven together."

The violence also claimed the life of Jude Montis, the local director of Missions in Haiti. The attack underscores the dire security situation in Haiti, where gangs control about 80% of Port-au-Prince. The country's security crisis has escalated, with nearly 5,000 people killed in 2023 alone.

In 2024, gangs in Haiti have turned against politicians who had previously collaborated with them, launching coordinated attacks on the government and causing widespread chaos. The Haitian government is struggling to maintain order amidst the escalating violence.

The attack on the missionaries occurred as authorities awaited the arrival of a police force from Kenya, part of a U.N.-backed deployment aimed at quelling the gang violence in the troubled Caribbean nation.

This devastating incident highlights the dangerous environment for humanitarian workers and civilians in Haiti. The loss of Davy and Natalie Lloyd, along with Jude Montis, is a tragic reminder of the ongoing security crisis that continues to plague the nation.

Key Takeaways

• 3 missionaries, including 2 Americans, killed in gang attack in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
• Gangs control 80% of Port-au-Prince, and the government struggles to maintain order.
• 2023 saw nearly 5,000 people killed in Haiti, with escalating violence in 2024.
• The attack occurred as a U.N.-backed police force from Kenya was set to arrive to quell gang violence.
• The incident highlights the dire security situation for humanitarian workers and civilians in Haiti.