Haiti Gang Attack Kills at Least 47 in Kenscoff Church Shelter
A gang coalition stormed Kenscoff, killing at least 47 people and abducting others. The mayor describes a night of terror amid expanding gang control. The post Haiti Gang Attack Kills at Least 47 in Kenscoff Church Shelter appeared first on The Rio Times .
At least 47 people were killed in a gang attack targeting a church in Kenscoff, Haiti, according to a U.N.-cited report. The attack occurred overnight on August 24, 2026, and continued into Monday. Mayor Massillon Jean reported that around 40 bodies were counted, with some people still missing, highlighting the ongoing search efforts and the chaotic situation.
The attack was carried out by the Viv Ansanm armed coalition, a group operating in the capital region. The gunmen entered the church, used as a displaced-persons shelter, and executed several people, while others were abducted. Initial reports suggested the toll could be lower, with some outlets citing numbers around 30 or 40, but the final count may rise as authorities gain access and recover more bodies.
Communication outages and inaccessible terrain have hindered accurate reporting and official counts. The town of Kenscoff, located near Port-au-Prince, has been a frequent target of gang violence, with over 260 people killed in attacks in 2025 alone. The attack highlighted the inadequate police response and deepened the trauma for a community already struggling with months of violence.
The United Nations has confirmed the death toll at 47, while also reporting that 50 people were abducted during the assault.
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