Five people were killed and more than 30 wounded Sunday when unidentified gunmen fired at thousands of unarmed demonstrators chanting "Try Aristide! Jail Aristide!" in front of the presidential palace Sunday.

Witnesses claim Aristide supporters shot at the crowd, which was demanding that ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide be prosecuted. But officials said it was unclear who was responsible.

U.S. Marines and Haitian police overlook demonstration of thousands of anti-Aristide protesters.(AP PHOTO)
U.S. Marines and Haitian police overlook demonstration of thousands of anti-Aristide protesters.(AP PHOTO)

A Spanish television journalist was among the dead. A U.S. photographer was injured.

Haitian police and U.S. and French troops helped restore order. American officials later confirmed that a few marines returned fire after the crowd was attacked.

Earlier in the day, demonstrators in front of the palace burned a billboard showing Aristide's face and the slogan "Haiti is the Mother of Freedom."

The same crowd hoisted rebel leader Guy Philippe on their shoulders as they chanted "Guy Philippe – Hero! Aristide – Zero!" They also cheered for Louis-Jodel Chamblain, an ex-soldier convicted in the killings of Aristide supporters.

New PM may be named by Tuesday

A recently appointed "Council of Sages" said it hopes to select a new prime minister by Tuesday. The group's seven members were chosen by Haitian political parties and the international community.

One name being considered is Lt. Gen. Herard Abraham, who set the stage back in 1990 for Haiti's first free elections.

Another possibility is Smarck Michel, Aristide's prime minister from 1994-1995.

From his exiled home in the Central African Republic, Aristide released a statement Sunday saying he was "well looked after" and would meet with reporters at a future date.

Aristide supporters, who had also planned to take to the streets Sunday to show public support for their former leader, have said they will do so Monday if they think it's safe.

"The Americans are only here to protect those who helped oust Aristide," said an Aristide supporter. "If we had guns, we would be fighting against them right now."