Dimitri Hérard, the head of the General Security Unit of the National Palace — USGPN, by its French acronym — is being kept in custody after preliminary questioning from USGPN in the ongoing investigation of President Jovenel Moïse’s assassination. USGPN made the decision to hold Hérard in isolation on July 14, one week after the brutal July 7 slaying that also left First Lady Martine Moïse wounded. 

Hérard declined another interrogation with Bedford Claude, chief government prosecutor in Port-au-Prince, that was scheduled on July 14.

Hérard is the fourth law enforcement officer being held in connection with the murder plot, police officials said during a press briefing. Twenty-three others, including 18 Colombians, have already been arrested in connection with the assassination, according to police.

As head of the palace guard, Hérard is among those most responsible for the safety of the president. The USGPN is dedicated to securing both the palace and the president’s private residence.

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