Haiti’s Iconic Grand Hôtel Oloffson Destroyed in Gang Violence

Haiti's iconic Grand Hôtel Oloffson, a historic cultural landmark in Port-au-Prince known for its distinctive Gothic architecture and famous guests like Mick Jagger, was destroyed by fire amid escalating gang violence. The hotel, which had been closed since 2022 due to security concerns, was burned down during heavy clashes between police and armed gangs controlling the area, making the site inaccessible to journalists and authorities. Richard Morse, the longtime manager overseeing the hotel remotely, confirmed the destruction after reviewing drone footage and expressed the profound loss, as the hotel was both a home and a cultural hub that fostered artistic expression for decades. Residents and notable figures mourned the loss, emphasizing the hotel's significance in Haitian culture and its symbolic representation of the country's deteriorating security situation. The violence also resulted in multiple deaths and disruptions across Port-au-Prince and surrounding regions, exacerbating an ongoing humanitarian crisis. This event highlights the severe challenges Haiti faces with gang control and the fragility of its social and security structures.