Mitch Albom, renowned author of 'Tuesdays With Morrie,' was among a small group airlifted out of Port-au-Prince on Tuesday, escaping the turmoil engulfing Haiti amidst rising gang violence.
A total of 10 Americans, including Albom, were evacuated from the Haitian capital in the middle of chaos and escalating civil disorder as gangs seized control of the nation after a massive jailbreak.
Author Mitch Albom Recounts Being Stranded in Haiti
Albom, 65, found himself stranded when violence erupted late last month during a trip to visit his orphanage, Have Faith Haiti, as he confirmed in an Instagram post upon his return to the United States.
"We were luckier than a lot of others," he remarked, acknowledging the ongoing threat faced by Haiti's population. "Please don't forget about them."
The novelist and his wife had been taking refuge since March 3, when a state of emergency was declared following a coordinated assault by a gang coalition on two Port-au-Prince jails, resulting in the escape of numerous inmates.
Albom recounted to NBC News the sudden closure of airports, ports, and roads, leaving them with no means of escape.
The rescue operation was spearheaded by Rep. Lisa McClain (R-MI), who intervened after being contacted by a distressed constituent. Albom and the other volunteers had been left without assistance from official channels. Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL), a U.S. Army veteran, facilitated the mission, securing a helicopter for the evacuation.
In an interview with Fox host Brian Kilmeade, Albom described the evacuation as "very, very fast, very, very hectic, like something out of a movie."
Nonetheless, the best-selling author stressed the importance of recognizing the plight of those left behind, emphasizing that many Americans, Canadians, and others are still trapped in Haiti without adequate assistance from their governments.
Rep. McClain Criticizes Biden Administration's Lack of Clear Rescue Plan
McClain emphasized the lack of a clear plan from the Biden administration to rescue Americans abroad, expressing concerns over their abandonment.
During a House Armed Services Committee hearing, McClain questioned Gen. Laura Richardson, head of the U.S. Southern Command, about the lack of support from the government.
Richardson acknowledged the absence of a formal request for assistance but suggested there might have been discussions at higher levels.
In response to the escalating violence, a fleet-anti-terrorism security team of Marines was deployed to the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince to bolster security and facilitate the departure of non-essential personnel.
Gang violence has surged in Haiti, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. While regional leaders aim to establish a transitional council, violent gangs pose challenges as they refuse to acknowledge the new government.
As Albom expressed relief at his safe return, he urged attention to the plight of the Haitian people, emphasizing the need to restore peace and safety to the country.
Despite his own evacuation, Albom's thoughts remain with those left behind, particularly the children at his orphanage, awaiting a safer future in their homeland.
"My wife and I are safe tonight. The people of Haiti are not," Albom wrote. "I hope that our attention can turn to them and how we can help restore peace and safety to a beautiful country and its people, including our kids, who deserve so much better."
