Hundreds of people crowded into a church near Haiti’s capital on Sunday for the funeral of four of the 47 people killed in a recent gang attack. The assault, described as brutal, has shaken a country long struggling with violence.
Mourners gathered in the farming community of Kenscoff, wiping away tears and crying out as coffins arrived. The victims being laid to rest included a mother, father, and their son, along with a 70-year-old man whose body was reportedly set on fire.
Pastor Jean Robert Dorlus addressed the congregation, saying, “We thank everyone who came in solidarity with the families that died and those who lost their loved ones.”
During the attack on Aug. 23, approximately 150 heavily armed gang members were involved, according to the U.N. Human Rights Office. The U.N. reported that the gang first killed 13 individuals who attempted to flee. Subsequently, they pursued another 50 people who had sought refuge inside a church. After forcing them out, 22 were executed in the church courtyard, and 12 others were killed behind the building. Dozens more were injured, and over 2,600 people were left homeless.
Beyond the immediate casualties, gangs abducted more than 50 people during the attack. UNICEF and community leaders intervened, leading to the recent release of six children and seven women. This incident marked one of the largest mass kidnappings in Haiti in recent years.
Survivors have organized protests, blaming the police for not acting swiftly enough to prevent the attack. Haiti’s National Police stated that an investigation has been ordered to determine the circumstances of the attack and whether "complicity or negligence" played a role.
Civilians stood guard with automatic weapons outside the church, with police officers stationed nearby, ready to repel any potential new gang attacks. One resident, Jean Calixte Juste, who survived the attack by "luck," described it as the "worst and most terrible night" he had ever experienced. He expressed a desire to leave the area, stating, "I don’t think we’re going to survive another big attack."
Gang violence has displaced nearly 1.5 million people across Haiti in recent years. From January to June, the U.N. reported that over 3,050 people were killed. Armed groups are estimated to control about 70% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, as well as significant areas in the central region and beyond, and are attempting to seize territory in Kenscoff.
Funerals for the remaining victims had not yet been scheduled at the time of the service for the first four.