Author Mitch Albom and nine others, including his wife and volunteers for Have Faith Haiti, were airlifted out of Haiti by U.S. Congressman Cory Mills and Rep. Lisa C. McClain amid the country's escalating violence and political turmoil. The evacuation came after armed gangs attacked an international airport, making it difficult to leave the country. Albom, who runs an orphanage in Haiti, said leaving the children at the orphanage was "horribly difficult" and expressed a desire to return as soon as possible.
Congressman Cory Mills, R-Fla., successfully evacuated 10 Americans from Haiti, criticizing the Biden administration for a "pattern of abandonment" of American citizens in foreign crises. The Americans were rescued from the Have Faith Orphanage in Port-au-Prince, with the U.S. military also sending forces to bolster security at the U.S. Embassy. The State Department stated that the safety of U.S. citizens overseas is a top priority and continues to monitor the situation in Haiti. Meanwhile, Haitian Acting Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced his resignation to facilitate a transitional presidential council amid the country's unrest and violence. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan welcomed this decision and discussed efforts to aid Haiti, including the provision of financial assistance. Rep. Lisa McClain expressed gratitude for the rescue mission and criticized the State Department for its lack of assistance to stranded Americans in Haiti.
