Haitians demand answers from police after gangs kill 47, kidnap more than 50

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Haiti's National Police faced growing criticism on Thursday after authorities reportedly failed to stop a gang attack that left 47 dead and over 50 kidnapped. Police spokesperson Garry Desrosiers provided few answers at a press conference, just days after the deadly assault in Kenscoff, a small town outside the capital.

He declined to comment on the fate of the kidnapped victims and said police are working to help the displaced return home, though he offered no details. One journalist questioned whether intelligence on the impending attack existed, to which Desrosiers responded that authorities are still gathering intelligence. He also noted that a gang leader had vowed to execute all hostages if any of their own were harmed during police efforts to secure Kenscoff.

Desrosiers expressed condolences to the victims' families and said police are investigating the incident, which could be the result of negligence or complicity. The attack occurred just weeks before Haiti sets to hold its first national election in over a decade, though experts warn that insecurity remains a significant issue. Gangs control an estimated 70% of Port-au-Prince and large parts of the central region, displacing more than 3,000 people since January, according to U.N. data.