Eighteen Suspects in Haiti President's Killing Extradited to Florida for Trial

On July 7, 2021, Haitian President Jovenel Moïse was killed at his private residence in Port-au-Prince. The attack was carried out by a group of armed men during the night, leaving Moïse dead and his wife injured. According to Le Monde, the killing immediately deepened the political and social chaos in Haiti, which has struggled with instability for years.

Investigations quickly pointed to a group of foreign mercenaries, many of whom were identified as Colombians. The assassination shocked both Haiti and the international community, raising urgent questions about the plot and those behind it.

After the assassination in July 2021, Haitian authorities began arresting suspects, including several Colombians and some Haitian nationals, according to Euronews. The investigation revealed that a group of about 20 military-trained Colombian mercenaries was allegedly hired to carry out the attack.

Over the next several years, the Haitian judicial process moved slowly. Detentions and legal wrangling delayed any significant progress, frustrating many observers and the families of those involved. The United States became involved in the investigation, citing elements of the plot that crossed international borders and U.S. jurisdiction.

On September 20, 2026, officials confirmed that eighteen suspects arrested in connection with the assassination were being extradited from Haiti to the U.S., as reported by CBC and CBS. The men were flown to Florida to face federal charges related to their alleged roles in the killing.

Among those extradited, most are believed to be Colombian nationals, according to El Colombiano. U.S. authorities have indicated that they intend to prosecute all individuals involved in orchestrating the transnational plot.

The eighteen suspects are now in U.S. custody and will be tried in federal court in Florida. This marks a major shift in the handling of the case, moving it from Haitian courts to the U.S. justice system. Authorities hope the trial will shed more light on who ordered and financed the assassination, and whether others remain at large.

The extradition is seen as a key step toward accountability for an event that has had long-lasting consequences for Haiti's governance and security.

The federal trial in Florida is expected to reveal further details about the planning and execution of the assassination. Observers will be watching for new information about the masterminds and potential political connections. The outcome of the trial may also affect U.S.-Haiti relations and future efforts to stabilize Haiti.