Port-au-Prince, Haiti – September 2, 2026 Hundreds gathered Sunday at a church near Haiti’s capital to mourn victims of a brutal gang attack that left at least 47 people dead and more than 50 others kidnapped. The violence unfolded in Kenscoff, a farming community southwest of Port-au-Prince, on August 23. Armed men stormed the area in the middle of the night, sparking renewed fears that worsening violence is eroding fragile security gains in the country.
Grieving families and residents packed the church, with many forced to stand outside and watch through windows. The emotional funeral service was filled with gospel music, tears, and prayers.
Among the victims were a mother, a father, and their son, as well as a 70-year-old man whose body was reportedly set on fire by gang members. The attack ranks among the largest mass kidnappings in Haiti in recent years and has shaken residents who had begun to believe security conditions were improving. Survivors have taken to the streets to protest, accusing police of failing to prevent the assault and protect the community.
In response, Haiti’s National Police has ordered an investigation into the attack, including whether it resulted from negligence or possible complicity. The probe will examine how the heavily armed attackers were able to enter the community and carry out the killings and kidnappings.
Authorities have not publicly identified those responsible for the assault. Outside the church, armed civilians stood guard alongside police officers, fearing another attack. The presence of automatic weapons underscored the insecurity gripping the area, where residents increasingly rely on themselves to defend their communities.
For those burying their loved ones, the funeral was both a farewell and a stark reminder of the continuing threat posed by Haiti’s armed gangs. Kenscoff, known for its agricultural production and cooler climate, is located in the hills above Port-au-Prince. Haiti has faced escalating gang violence in recent years, with armed groups controlling large parts of the capital and surrounding areas, leading to widespread displacement and humanitarian crises.
The attack in Kenscoff highlights the challenges faced by Haitian authorities in maintaining security and protecting civilians amid the ongoing instability.
