The United Nations reported Tuesday that at least 47 people were killed and 50 others were kidnapped in a violent gang attack near Haiti's capital of Port-au-Prince this week.

The incident took place Sunday in Kenscoff, a commune located near the nation's capital. The massacre included the execution of 22 people who were found in a church compound. It is believed to be one of the deadliest attacks in Haiti in recent years.

"The relentless gang attacks on communities and the loss of lives underscore the alarming security conditions in Haiti and reinforce the urgent need to intensify Haitian and international security efforts to counter gangs," a spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Gutteres said in a statement. 

"The Secretary-General reiterates his call for Haitian authorities to ensure that those responsible for such attacks are held accountable, including through specialized judicial units, recently created with international support to investigate mass crimes," he added. 

Kenscoff Mayor Jean Massillon said the gangs set fire to 25 homes and killed two government employees, including the mayor's cousin, who served as his security detail.

“The atrocity of this crime reminds us that we have to continue working stronger every day to bring peace to the community,” Massillon told the Associated Press. “I’m optimistic that the state will continue working to eradicate the gangs in Kenscoff.”

The alleged gang leader behind the attack posted a video on social media this week, warning Haiti's National Police Director Vladimir Paraison that if any of his gang members were harmed, then he would execute the hostages.

“Paraison, if any of our soldiers are hurt, I will kill all of them,” he said. 

The attack marks one of the deadliest that the city has experienced since January 2025, though attacks on the mountain community have been sporadic. 

Gang violence has displaced a record 1.5 million people across Haiti as of June. More than 3,050 people were reported killed from January to June and another 1,400 injured.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.