Gunman Kills Ex-Wife, Two Employees at Jordanian Social Centre Before Suicide

Authorities later found the gunman suffering from a gunshot wound, and it is believed he had taken his own life. He was taken to hospital but subsequently died.
Photo: Supplied via News

Four people were killed in a tragic shooting at a social development centre south of the Jordanian capital, Amman, on Saturday. The incident, which has shocked the community, occurred in the Hasban area, where a lone gunman opened fire at the Princess Basma Development Centre. The victims included the gunman's ex-wife and two employees of the centre, marking a devastating loss of life. After the shooting, the perpetrator took his own life, adding another layer of tragedy to the event.

The Public Security Directorate (PSD) confirmed the fatalities, stating that the gunman's ex-wife, a female employee, and a grounds maintenance worker were among those killed in the attack. The Ministry of Social Development and the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development, which operates the centre, are cooperating fully with authorities as the investigation unfolds. This incident has led to a widespread call for a thorough examination of the circumstances that led to such a violent act within a community-focused institution.

Attack Details Emerge

The attacker killed three individuals at the Princess Basma Development Centre, including his ex-wife, a female employee, and a grounds maintenance worker. He opened fire on them during the incident, causing immediate fatalities. Authorities later found the gunman suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and it is believed he had taken his own life following the attack. Following the shooting, the perpetrator was transported to a hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries and died. This sequence of events has become a central focus for investigators. News reports indicated a reading time of 2 minutes for the initial coverage of the event, noting the immediate and widespread attention it drew. The precise timeline of the shooting and the gunman's subsequent actions are being meticulously reconstructed by law enforcement officials.

Centre and Victims Identified

The gunman's ex-wife was an employee at the Princess Basma Development Centre in Hasban, where the shooting occurred, making the attack particularly personal and devastating for the centre's staff and the local community. The centre is known to be affiliated with the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for Jordanians. Additionally, it operates under the Ministry of Local Administration and is connected to the Social Services Council in Madaba, showing its integral role within the broader social welfare infrastructure of the region.

The Princess Basma Development Centre, a facility focused on social development and community support, was the scene where the gunman opened fire, resulting in multiple fatalities before he took his own life. The centre's affiliations indicate its deep-rooted role within the broader framework of social services in Jordan, providing vital programs and assistance to residents. The loss of life within such an institution has sent shockwaves through the local community and beyond, prompting questions about safety and security in public service environments. The identities of the victims, beyond the gunman's ex-wife, have been withheld pending further investigation and family notification.

Official Investigation Underway

Authorities later discovered the gunman suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, leading to the belief that he had taken his own life immediately after the attack. He was transported to a hospital but subsequently died from his injuries. Following the incident, Jordanian authorities swiftly initiated an investigation to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the shooting. This full inquiry aims to determine the precise sequence of events, identify any potential motives behind the fatal attack at the Princess Basma Development Centre, and ensure that all aspects of the tragedy are thoroughly examined. Jordanian authorities have launched this investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, promising a full and transparent review.

Timeline and Context

The shooting occurred at a social development centre located in the Hasban area, a community situated south of Amman. The incident, which tragically resulted in the deaths of four people, including the perpetrator, took place on June 07, 2026. The swift response from emergency services and law enforcement was key in managing the immediate aftermath of the attack. The broader implications for community safety and the operations of social development centres across Jordan are now under review.