A recent wave of violent attacks on U.S. airliners departing from Haiti has ignited widespread outrage, with former NFL player and humanitarian Jack Brewer leading the charge in criticizing the U.S. government’s response. Three separate incidents involving flights from JetBlue, American Airlines, and Spirit Airlines were struck by gunfire, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to implement a controversial 30-day ground stop. This measure temporarily halted all civilian air traffic to and from Haiti, a country plagued by escalating gang violence.
Brewer, a retired New York Giants safety and founder of the Jack Brewer Foundation, which has been heavily involved in humanitarian efforts in Haiti, expressed his frustration with the Biden administration’s handling of the crisis. In a powerful interview with Fox News Digital, Brewer called the FAA ground stop “a weak and insufficient response” to the growing threats in Haiti. “You don’t issue FAA ground-stops for verbal threats… when planes are being shot at, you deploy military force,” Brewer asserted, emphasizing that the situation demanded immediate military intervention, not just a temporary flight suspension.
The violence in Haiti, which has spiraled since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, has reached catastrophic levels, with gangs taking control of much of the country. Brewer recounted heartbreaking stories of violence, including the murder of a school headmaster and the frequent kidnappings and killings of innocent civilians, even children. This level of brutality, Brewer argued, is far beyond the scope of typical responses to non-violent threats.
Brewer also criticized the Biden administration for prioritizing foreign conflicts while neglecting the deteriorating situation just 90 minutes from U.S. shores. He questioned the logic behind ignoring a humanitarian crisis in Haiti while the U.S. is embroiled in proxy wars elsewhere. “If we truly stand for democracy, why is Haiti being ignored?” Brewer demanded.
Further amplifying his criticisms, Brewer took aim at the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), accusing them of failing to act decisively in response to the ongoing violence. While the CBC has called for more humanitarian aid and a halt to deportations, Brewer believes these efforts fall short. “Haiti is the first independent Black nation in the world, and yet we’re allowing it to fall apart. This inaction is an insult to the Black community,” he stated.
Brewer’s concerns were echoed by other humanitarian groups working in Haiti. JP Decker of Mercury One expressed his frustration with the FAA’s ground stop, which has caused significant delays in adoption processes, leaving families in limbo. Similarly, Victor Marx of All Things Possible urged the U.S. to bypass the ineffective Haitian government and collaborate with private organizations to bring stability to the country.
Despite the FAA’s reassurances that the flight ground stop was enacted for the safety of civilian air traffic, many, including Brewer and other advocates, argue that more decisive action is required to address the root causes of the violence in Haiti.
As the situation remains dire, the call for urgent intervention grows louder, with figures like Brewer pushing for a more robust response from the U.S. government and international community.
