On February 28th, there was a large nonviolent March for Democracy called for the Haitian neighborhood of Bel-Air. Among those who attended were Pere Gerard Jean-Juste and others from St. Clare's Parish. Thousands of people were walking and dancing to the beat of drums, loudly chanting, "Bring Back Titi (Aristide)!!!!" in Creole, French and English; It all seemed like a peaceful unorganized mardi gras parade. The giant moving party continued down Des Cesar Street. The street was packed from side to side with people carrying signs, umbrellas, and handmade cardboard posters all calling for the return of democracy and Aristide. Neighborhood people joined in or clapped and danced from their front steps.

Suddenly, at the corner of Monsiegneur Guillot Street and Des Cesar, there was a loud boom from very close by. People started screaming and running. Another boom, then another. People were down in the street. A big white official looking truck hurtled down the street as the booms continued. Others saw police in black uniforms, helmets, ski masks, and large guns shooting into the crowd. Out on the street a man was down and unconscious. Fr. Jean-Juste knelt over him and prayed. Down the street others were carrying injured people on their backs. Early reports document several people shot, at least one killed.

Read More | Chaos and Bloodshed Grip Haiti One Year After the Coup | A Look Back at the U.S. Role in the Overthrow of Aristide | HaitiAction.net