A failed attempt to assassinate the Prime Minister of Haiti, Ariel Henry, took place on Sunday, January 2, at a church in the city of Gonaives where the ceremony marked the country’s 218th anniversary of independence.

Reports are that armed gangs opened fire at the Prime Minister and his entourage, as they left the church service. At least one person was killed while several others were injured. However, the identity of the deceased has not yet been released.

The mass was held despite reported threats from the armed gangs, who warned Henry not to come to the city.

Following the incident, the remaining events to celebrate Independence Day were cancelled.

The attempt on Henry’s life comes months after President Jovenel Moise was assassinated in July of last year.

Meanwhile, former Colombian military member implicated in Moise’s killing, will be deported from Jamaica to his home country on January 3.

43-year-old Mario Antonio Palacio is accused by the Haitian authorities of forming part of a mercenary group that assassinated Moise during an assault on his private residence during which his wife was also injured.

Palacio was arrested in Jamaica last October and convicted for illegally entering the country from the Dominican Republic.