A tragic shooting occurred at a Christian church in Jordan on Friday, where gunmen attacked attendees at a funeral service. The incident left nine people dead and over two dozen injured. This attack took place at a Greek Orthodox church in Karak, approximately 55 miles south of Amman, the capital city.
Health Minister Ibrahim al-Budour reported on Saturday that a critically injured individual remains in unstable condition at Prince Ali Military Hospital. Government spokesperson Mohammad Momani stated that the attackers adhered to an ‘extremist takfiri ideology’. This ideology labels individuals who do not adhere to strict interpretations of Islam as nonbelievers. Such beliefs have been used by terrorist groups like ISIS to justify violence against Muslims, Christians, and Jews.
Journalists and observers were present at the Greek Orthodox church, which was cordoned off following the shooting.
Karak is known for having a significant Christian community. Spokesperson Momani highlighted the integration of Christians into Jordan’s national identity. However, it is still unknown if the attackers were connected to any terrorist organization, and no arrests have been announced by Jordanian authorities.
Footage aired on Jordanian state television depicted two gunmen armed with pistols approaching the church and opening fire. A brief moment later, a third attacker with a semiautomatic rifle joined the others as they charged towards the church.
Photos and video evidence showed scenes of chaos, with broken glass and blood pooling inside the church. Once law enforcement secured the area, two bodies were seen covered outside the building. Dorgham Halasa described a sudden onset of intense gunfire 15 minutes into the service, causing people to flee in panic. Halasa mentioned that while he did not see the attackers, other witnesses reported the presence of at least four gunmen. Jordanian authorities have not verified the number of shooters involved.
On Friday, King Abdullah II declared that Jordan would respond firmly to this act of terrorism in Karak. He emphasized, ‘Whoever imagines that the bullets of treachery can divide the ranks of Jordanians will fail in his endeavor before our steadfastness and unity.’ He expressed deepest sympathies for the victims’ families and wished for the recovery of the injured.
The interior of the Greek Orthodox church, still showing signs of distress after the violent incident.
The state-run Petra News Agency announced three days of national mourning in response to the tragic events.
Additional information for this report was provided by The Associated Press.