Haiti’s newly appointed interim Prime Minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, was sworn into office on Monday amidst escalating violence in Port-au-Prince. Just hours after his inauguration, armed gangs opened fire at Toussaint Louverture International Airport, targeting a Spirit Airlines flight arriving from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The gunfire struck a flight attendant on board the plane, who suffered minor injuries, according to Spirit Airlines and reports from the U.S. Embassy. As a precaution, the plane was rerouted and safely landed in the Dominican Republic. Citing security concerns, several airlines have temporarily suspended flights to Haiti.

In his inaugural address, Fils-Aimé emphasized the urgent need for national security. “The first essential task that will determine the success of the transition is to re-establish the security of people, property, infrastructure, food security, and freedom of movement throughout the country,” he declared.

Fils-Aimé, a respected businessman and former head of Haiti’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, steps into office at a tumultuous time for the Caribbean nation. Recent allegations of corruption involving three members of the transitional council, tasked with guiding Haiti back to democratic governance, have compounded the government’s efforts to stabilize the country.

The new interim prime minister has an established background, having studied at Boston University and previously campaigned for a Senate seat in 2015. His appointment comes as Haiti continues to grapple with severe unrest and political challenges.