Following the coup attempt, partisans part of the ruling Fanmi Lavalas party and supporters of President Aristide reacted by engaging in widespread violence across the country, targeting opposition figures and journalists.

Three hours later, Jacques Maurice, a government spokesman, publicly announced an attempted coup, stating that 80 gunmen had infiltrated the National Palace.

[3] Jean Auriel, head of presidential security, informed the press the assailants had fled in pickup trucks, with elite police forces regaining control of the palace.

[3] Hours after the failed coup attempt, government supporters armed themselves with machetes and sticks, taking to the streets to harass members of the opposition, including figures from the Struggling People's Organization (OPL) and Democratic Convergence, as well as the media.

[6] Local radio stations in the capital of Port-au-Prince were threatened with destruction and journalists faced violent reprisals while the homes of many opposition figures and offices were attacked, looted, and burned.

[3] The outpouring of reactions domestically and abroad is as follows:[3] In response the Minister of Culture and Communication Guy Paul expressed regret over the violence but justified it as the consequences of public outrage.