Hundreds Attend Funeral for Victims of Brutal Gang Attack in Haiti

Hundreds of people gathered at a church in the farming community of Kenscoff on Sunday for the funeral of four victims of a gang attack that killed at least 47 people. The deceased included a mother, father, and son, as well as a 70 year old man whose body had been set on fire. The attack occurred on August 23 when approximately 150 heavily armed gang members targeted the area, killing 47 people and kidnapping more than 50 others. According to the UN Human Rights Office, the attackers killed 13 people attempting to flee and executed 34 others after forcing them out of a church. The violence left more than 2,600 people homeless and displaced nearly 1.5 million people across Haiti. While some hostages were released following interventions by UNICEF and community leaders, dozens remain abducted. Survivors and residents have protested and accused the police of negligence or failing to act in time to stop the carnage. Haiti's National Police stated they have ordered an investigation to determine if the attack was due to complicity or negligence. Pope Leo XIV condemned the massacre and called for the immediate release of all hostages. Armed men currently control an estimated 70 percent of Port au Prince and are attempting to seize territory in Kenscoff.