Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has orchestrated a daring rescue mission to bring U.S. citizens stranded in Haiti back home to safety. A chartered flight organized by DeSantis landed in Orlando, Florida, late on Wednesday, carrying 14 passengers who were in danger amid escalating violence on the island.
“We are willing to dedicate the resources, we understand this is important, we understand that there’s people that are really in danger right now that are our fellow Floridians,” DeSantis stated during a press conference, as reported by Politico.
Approximately 500 Americans, with 360 of them being Floridians, have reached out to the state government for assistance in evacuating from Haiti, according to local outlet ABC10. DeSantis emphasized that the flights for U.S. citizens are being provided free of charge.
“We are picking people up at their front door, getting them into a plane, getting them to this airport and getting them back to their front door in Florida — that’s what we’re committed to doing,” said Florida Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie.
The U.S. State Department has reported that nearly 1,600 Americans have filled out forms seeking assistance in Haiti. In response to the crisis, DeSantis has deployed the state National Guard and law enforcement to protect the southern coast and prevent illicit vessels from entering the U.S. from Haiti.
The rescue efforts come amidst a backdrop of intense gang violence in Haiti, with armed groups launching attacks in various neighborhoods, resulting in casualties and widespread chaos. The recent wave of violence has prompted a swift and decisive response from both the U.S. and Florida authorities to ensure the safety of American citizens caught in the crossfire.
The situation in Haiti remains volatile, with ongoing security concerns and the need for continued evacuation efforts to bring U.S. citizens back home. Governor DeSantis and state officials are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected by the crisis in Haiti.
