Investigation into Airliner Shootings Sparks Outrage Over U.S. Response
In the wake of an FBI investigation into multiple incidents involving gunfire targeted at U.S. commercial airliners departing from Haiti, frustration is mounting among nonprofit leaders regarding the Biden administration’s response. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has instituted a 30-day ground stop for flights in the region, but critics assert that this measure falls far short of what’s needed given the gravity of the situation.
Striking Back Against Terror
Jack Brewer, a retired NFL player and founder of the Jack Brewer Foundation, expressed his dismay during a recent interview. He argued that halting civil aviation operations is merely “a drop in the bucket” compared to more decisive military actions that could be taken against what he views as “terrorists” assaulting American citizens. Brewer, who has dedicated significant time and resources to humanitarian work in Haiti and East Africa, criticized the administration’s lack of urgency in addressing this crisis.
“We’ve also had some tragedy – we’ve had some unfortunate deaths,” Brewer said, recounting the challenges faced by his foundation’s projects in Haiti. He described instances of violence, including the murder of a school head and the brutal kidnappings of parents and children by gangs that have taken hold following the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise.
A Dangerous Environment
The incidents that triggered the FAA’s actions include a JetBlue flight bound for JFK, an American Airlines plane heading for Miami, and a recent Spirit Airlines flight that was forced to reroute due to gunfire. Brewer voiced concerns about the Biden administration’s apparent disinterest in intervening in Haiti while engaging in conflicts far from U.S. shores, such as the ongoing situation in Ukraine.
“If we really want to say we stand for democracy… then what are we doing in Haiti?” he questioned, indicating that the administration’s inaction represents a grievous oversight.
A Call for Accountability
Brewer also took the opportunity to criticize the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), expressing disappointment in what he perceives as their quietude regarding the dangers facing Americans abroad, particularly in Haiti. He stated, “They’ll talk about Black Lives Matter and cops and all these other scenarios, but when you have this, the first independent Black nation in the world that’s in utter chaos, and we’re going to sit back here and do nothing about it, it’s a slap in the face as a Black man.”
Brewer lamented the notion that political motivations often dictate the activism of Democratic leaders, claiming they sideline critical issues unless they offer a political advantage or funding opportunities.
A Political Response
In response to the escalating violence, members of the CBC have made some statements. Notably, a subset of the caucus, known as the House Haitian Caucus, held a news conference in September condemning hate against Haiti. Representatives Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, Yvette Clarke of New York, and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida have all spoken out about the urgent need for federal action to address the crisis gripping the nation.
Cherfilus-McCormick, heralded as the first Haitian American in Congress, described Haiti as “facing a political crisis of epidemic proportions” with its citizens crying out for refuge. In a united statement, all three congresswomen have expressed the need for a comprehensive humanitarian response from the United States as well as an immediate halt to deportations and a crackdown on illicit arms trafficking.
Voices of Change
Brewer contends that the Biden administration has had ample time to tackle the issues stemming from the assassination of Moise and the resulting instability. He proposed that former President Donald Trump would have been more effective in dealing with the situation, advocating for immediate sanctions against gangs and the appointment of an ambassador with a strong commitment to holding Haiti’s leaders accountable.
“I would tell all those gang members… you’ve got 24 hours to throw your guns in, or the U.S. military will come in and smoke them all out,” he asserted, emphasizing that decisive action is crucial.
Impact on Aid Efforts
Others working on the ground in Haiti have echoed Brewer’s frustrations. JP Decker, head of the charity Mercury One, pointed out how the FAA’s ground stop has left many families in limbo, hindering efforts to rescue adopted children awaiting reunification with their new families. He called on the federal government to collaborate with international organizations to restore safe air travel and address the underlying threats.
Victor Marx, who oversees the Haitian orphanage organization All Things Possible, criticized the federal government for failing to stabilize the situation sooner. “Whatever support or assistance the United States might offer at this point must come with accountability,” he insisted, suggesting that working through private organizations might be a more effective way to bring stability to the troubled nation.
Official Statements
The FAA released a statement outlining its responsibilities in ensuring the safety of civil aviation. The agency confirmed it had issued a “NOTAM” prohibiting flights within 10,000 feet above Haitian airspace for a 30-day period. Fox News Digital reached out to both the White House and the Pentagon for further comments, but both declined to respond to inquiries.
The swift actions of the FAA underscore the urgency of the crisis but have also raised vital questions about the broader implications of U.S. policy in Haiti and the efficacy of methods employed to safeguard American lives. As activists, politicians, and humanitarian organizations continue to push for change, the plight of the Haitian people remains at the forefront of discussions surrounding potential U.S. intervention and support.
