Jordan church attack investigators are searching for suspects after gunmen opened fire during a funeral in central Jordan, killing seven people and injuring at least 34 others. The shooting happened at a church in Hmoud, in the Karak governorate, on Friday.
The attack has shocked a country where major acts of violence are relatively uncommon. Officials said the assailants arrived by car, entered the church and fired at people attending the funeral before escaping. No group has claimed responsibility.
Jordan church attack leaves seven dead
Jordan’s Interior Minister Mazen al-Faraya described the attackers as a group of extremists and said authorities were working to identify and arrest them. King Abdullah II condemned what he called a terrorist act and pledged that those responsible would face the harshest penalties.
The reported death toll changed several times during the immediate aftermath. Initial reports said seven people had died, while a government spokesperson later announced six fatalities before officials confirmed the number had returned to seven. At least 34 people were reported injured.
The funeral was being held at a Greek Orthodox church in Hmoud. A witness estimated that between 150 and 200 people were inside when the shooting began, creating panic among mourners gathered for the service.
Witnesses describe scenes of panic
People inside the church reportedly moved away from windows, hid beneath pews and tried to protect children and relatives. Witness accounts described prayers, screams and a desperate rush to escape while gunfire continued.
One witness said the attack lasted roughly 15 minutes, with people taking cover, carrying the wounded and attempting to flee. Another described hearing what initially sounded like an electrical fault before seeing people lying injured on the floor.
A woman who was inside said gunfire and breaking glass followed shortly after a prayer. She described the violence as continuing for several minutes before she reached the outside courtyard, where bodies were visible.
Security operation under way in Karak
Authorities have launched an investigation and are reviewing security footage. Video verified by news investigators appears to show three armed men approaching the church from a road. Two men are seen moving towards an entrance before briefly withdrawing and returning with a third suspect.
Other footage, reportedly recorded after the shooting, showed a chaotic scene with casualties on the ground. Officials have not publicly identified the attackers or explained a possible motive.
Security forces established a significant presence around the hospital treating the injured. Roads near the facility were closed, forcing some visitors to leave their cars and continue on foot. Security was also strengthened ahead of the king’s visit to injured victims.
Families gathered outside the hospital amid grief and anger. Witnesses described an atmosphere of fear and confusion as relatives waited for news about those inside.
Jordan church attack raises concern over rare violence
Karak has a sizeable Christian community within Jordan’s predominantly Muslim population. Violence targeting civilians is rare in the country, although Jordan has experienced deadly attacks in previous years.
The assault has drawn condemnation from across the region. Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun described the incident as a heinous terrorist attack that violated the sanctity of a funeral and contradicted religious and humanitarian values.
The investigation is expected to focus on identifying the gunmen, tracing their movements and determining whether they acted alone or as part of a wider extremist network. Officials have not yet released further details about arrests or the identities of those killed.
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What happens next?
Jordanian authorities are continuing efforts to apprehend those responsible for the shooting. Further updates are likely to clarify the attackers’ identities, their motives and the full circumstances surrounding the assault.
The Jordan church attack has left seven people dead and dozens injured, while a grieving community awaits answers. The investigation and the government’s response will determine the next stage in efforts to prevent further violence.