Heavy gunfire erupted in downtown Port-au-Prince on Thursday after Haiti’s leaders made the rare and defiant decision to meet at the National Palace to symbolize the retaking of an area long controlled by powerful gangs.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or deaths, but at least one armored vehicle driving through the area was shot up, according to local media reports.

Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé and members of Haiti’s transitional presidential council, along with other high-ranking government officials, were at the National Palace when the heavy gunfire began.

It wasn’t immediately clear if the officials were evacuated, but video showed a caravan of official cars quickly exiting the National Palace from its rear exit as people in the area ran for cover.

The government officials had gathered at the palace for a key meeting in which they were expected to approve budgets and important measures.

Before the meeting began, they gathered outside on the grounds of the palace as a police band played and Haiti’s flag was raised, with heavily armed officers standing watch on the second floor behind sandbags for protection.

“This government meeting marks a symbolic and decisive step in the gradual resumption of state control over downtown Port-au-Prince, the historic heart of republican power,” read a government statement issued Thursday before gunfire erupted.

Haiti’s leaders have long stayed away from the National Palace since it’s located in an area that until recently was considered unsafe and controlled by a gang coalition known as Viv Ansanm.

But in recent weeks, government workers began clearing and securing the area with hopes of reclaiming it from the hands of gangs.

Gangs are estimated to control up to 90% of Port-au-Prince, and they have remained entrenched in the downtown area and nearby communities.

AP Video by Mickenson Duverge