Kidnappings and Violence Surge in Haiti as U.S. Couple Held for Ransom by Gang

An American couple visiting Haiti was kidnapped and is being held for ransom, as violence and kidnappings surge in the country. The couple had plans to visit sick relatives and attend a festival in their hometown, but they never made it to their destination. The Toussaints were confronted by a gang while traveling by bus from the capital city of Port-au-Prince, and they are still being held hostage. The U.S. State Department is aware of the situation, and Haiti currently has a level 4 out of 5 travel advisory warning American citizens against traveling to the country due to the rise of kidnapping, civil unrest, and crime.