Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Gang Attack on Haiti Church Shelter Kills Around 40
A gang attacked a church in Kenscoff, Haiti, where people who had fled their homes were staying.
The attack happened on Sunday night.
The mayor said about 40 people were killed.
Some victims were reportedly executed.
Dozens of others were wounded, and some people were taken away.
Search teams were still looking for missing people.
The government said it would send more security forces to the area.
Haiti has a larger crisis in which many people have been forced from their homes by gang violence.
Around 40 people were killed after gangs attacked a church shelter in Kenscoff on Sunday night.
The victims were displaced people who had previously fled violence elsewhere.
Kenscoff Mayor Massillon Jean said some victims were executed, dozens were wounded and others abducted.
Searches continued for missing people, while Haiti’s government announced security reinforcements.
Nearly 1.5 million Haitians are displaced, and more than five million face severe food insecurity, according to UN figures.
- Who
- Gang members attacked displaced people staying in a church; Kenscoff Mayor Massillon Jean reported the toll.
- What
- Around 40 people were killed, with dozens wounded and some others reportedly abducted.
- When
- Sunday night; the mayor provided the account on Monday.
- Where
- A church shelter in Kenscoff, a mountainous municipality southeast of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince.
- Why
- The attack occurred amid ongoing clashes and incursions by armed groups seeking to expand control in Kenscoff.
- Reported death toll
- Around 40 people
- Location
- Kenscoff, southeast of Haiti’s capital
- Attack site
- A church housing displaced people
- Additional casualties
- Dozens wounded; some people reportedly abducted
- Missing people
- Searches were continuing
- Government response
- Security reinforcements were announced
- Displacement nationwide
- Nearly 1.5 million people are displaced, according to UN figures
- Food insecurity
- More than five million people face severe food insecurity, according to UN figures