Missouri, nation mourn missionaries killed by gang in Haiti as Hawley scolds ‘weak’ Biden for deaths

Officials across the country are mourning the loss of two Missouri missionaries in Haiti, a husband-and-wife pair who were killed by one of many armed gangs that has pushed the country into chaos.

Missouri state Rep. Ben Baker, father to one of the missionaries, announced their deaths via Facebook.

“My heart is broken in a thousand pieces. I’ve never felt this kind of pain. Most of you know my daughter and son-in-law Davy and Natalie Lloyd are full time missionaries in Haiti. They were attacked by gangs this evening and were both killed,” Baker wrote.

Baker is the former dean of students at Ozark Bible Institute and has served in the Missouri House since 2019.

The Lloyds worked for Missions in Haiti Inc., an Oklahoma Christian group founded by Davy Lloyd’s parents, said local KOCO News 5, in Oklahoma City.

A third missionary, identified as the local Haitian nonprofit director Jude Montis, also was killed in the attack on the aid group.

A Facebook post by Missions for Haiti announced the attack and abduction of the missionaries, who were leaving a church when they were accosted by a gang. The post had asked for prayers as the missions group tried in vain to negotiate with the gang for the safe release of the missionaries.

The missionaries were taken to a house, where Davy Lloyd was reportedly tied up and beaten. 

“I have been trying all my contacts to get a police armored car there to evacuate them out to safety but can’t get anyone to do,” Missions for Haiti posted about 7 p.m. EDT, Thursday. “I also am trying to negotiate with the gang so how much $ to stand down and let them leave and get to safety.  PLEASE PRAY–  Going to be a long night.”

Three hours later, the missions group said the three had been shot and killed by the gang.

 “Davy and Natalie and Jude were shot and killed by the gang about 9 o’clock this evening. We all are devastated,” Missions for Haiti wrote.

The Miami Herald reported the bodies of the missionaries were then set on fire, according to Lloyd’s father.

Missouri U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley obliquely scolded President Joe Biden following the deaths for allowing America to become so weak that it can’t send in troops to restore order or protect Americans in Haiti.

“Last night, as my office urged the American Embassy to send help to Natalie and Davy as they were under siege, the Embassy told us it was ‘too dangerous’ to send police. What a weak country we have become. We cannot protect our own citizens from wanton violence,” Hawley posted on X.

Hawley had earlier eulogized the couple on X.

“Erin & I are heartbroken at the loss of Natalie & Davy Lloyd, a wonderful missionary couple from Missouri. Married 2 years ago, they dedicated their lives to sharing the Gospel. They died in the mission field in Haiti last night at the hands of thugs. All of Missouri honors them,” said Hawley.

For his part, former President Donald Trump demanded accountability and, true to form, some action by the U.S.

“God Bless Davy and Natalie. Such a tragedy. Haiti is totally out of control. Find the killers NOW,” Trump said.

Also true to form, the Biden administration is acting powerless in face of the murders of Christians and urging the African nation of Kenya to deploy to Haiti to restore order.

“The security situation in Haiti cannot wait,” a Biden National Security Council spokesperson told Al Jazeera on Friday, begging that a stalled Kenyan troop deployment go forward under a U.N. mandate.

Coincidentally, Biden hosted a lavish state dinner for Kenyan President William Ruto Thursday night, offering “around 500 guests stunning D.C. views, a knockout menu, [and] a dose of celebrity star power,” the Associated Press reported.

Missouri’s other U.S. senator, Eric Schmitt, offered condolences and prayers for the missionaries.

“Incredibly sad to hear about the devastating loss of Natalie and Davy Lloyd. Great people doing extraordinary things, and gone far too soon. My prayers are with them and their families,” said Schmitt.

Schmitt was joined by Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

“Pray for MO State Rep. @BenBakerMO, his wife Naomi, & their family….Pray for God to comfort & strengthen this family,” said Graham.

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson and Attorney General Andrew Bailey also took to X to express their grief and offer their prayers to the families, as did a host of others. 

Baker has declined interviews, but said on Facebook he took consolation that his daughter and son-in-law were together when they died, and then he asked for prayers.  

“They went to Heaven together. Please pray for my family we desperately need strength. And please pray for the Lloyd family as well. I have no other words for now.”