# Gang violence in Kenscoff, Haiti

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/gang-violence-in-kenscoff-haiti
> Updated: 2026-08-24T17:35:00.000Z. Sources: 41. Developments: 2.

In late August 2026, members of the Viv Ansanm gang coalition launched a violent overnight assault on the Kenscoff commune near Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The attack targeted residential areas, the home of Dr. Jean ‘Bill’ Pape, and a church serving as a shelter for displaced families.

The assault involved heavy gunfire and arson, resulting in the burning of multiple homes and vehicles. Death toll estimates vary across different reports: Mayor Jean Massillon reported at least 30 fatalities, while local radio Tele Galaxie cited 42 deaths. Other local officials and community leaders provided estimates as high as 47, and the National Network for the Defense of Human Rights (RNDDH) estimated between 30 and 40 people were killed. Between 15 and 20 injuries were reported, and several individuals were abducted or remain missing.

In response to the massacre, the Haitian government placed all security forces on maximum alert and announced the deployment of reinforcements to the area. A delegation, including the acting Director General of the Haitian National Police, visited the area to meet with local leaders. The incident has drawn criticism from residents and officials regarding the police's failure to prevent the attack despite prior warnings.

## Claims

- The death toll is estimated between 30 and 40 people, with 15 to 20 wounded. (disputed by 2 sources)
- The provisional death toll is at least 47 people. (disputed)
- Armed gangs targeted a church serving as a shelter for displaced persons. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- Authorities announced the deployment of reinforcements to restore order in Kenscoff. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Criminals abducted several individuals during the attack. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Gangs burned several homes and vehicles during the violence. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The attack was attributed to the Viv Ansanm criminal coalition. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- At least 20 bodies were confirmed in the Kenscoff area. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Haitian government placed all security forces on maximum alert. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- At least 30 people were killed in the gang attack. (single source)
- Local radio Tele Galaxie reported 42 deaths. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-24: Kenscoff gang attack leaves dozens dead in Haiti

A violent gang attack in Kenscoff, Haiti, has left between 30 and 47 people dead after militants targeted a church sheltering displaced families, prompting the government to place security forces on high alert.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kenscoff-haiti-gang-attack-leaves-dozens-dead

### 2026-08-22: Kenscoff gang attack kills at least 30 people in Haiti

At least 30 people were killed in a violent gang attack in Kenscoff, Haiti, on August 23-24, 2026. The Viv Ansanm coalition targeted homes and a church, prompting government security reinforcements.

29 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cholera-resurgence-threatens-displaced-populations-in-port-au-prince

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Cite as: Gang violence in Kenscoff, Haiti. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/gang-violence-in-kenscoff-haiti