Gunmen attacked a Greek Orthodox church in Karak, Jordan, on Friday, 23 October 2026, leaving 40 people injured. The incident, which unfolded during a funeral service, resulted in significant trauma for those gathered at the religious site. King Abdullah II addressed the violence, stating: "The terrorist attack against Karak will be met with the harshest retaliation. Those who delude themselves into thinking that they can divide Jordanians with their bullets have no chance in the face of our unity."
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz responded to the incident from Amman, noting: "Praying for the victims, their families, and all those affected by this depraved and brutal attack on a house of worship." Medical officials confirmed the total number of casualties as emergency services responded to the site of the funeral. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the assault on the congregation. The church, a prominent location in Karak, was the site of the attack on Friday, October 23, 2026, where the peaceful proceedings were abruptly shattered by the arrival of the armed individuals.
Details of the Attack
Jordanian state television footage captured the assault as it unfolded, showing two men wielding pistols alongside a third gunman carrying a semi-automatic weapon. This visual evidence has become a central component of the ongoing investigation into the specific actions of the perpetrators. Security personnel and medical responders arrived at the scene following reports of the gunfire, which interrupted the proceedings of the Greek Orthodox funeral in Karak. Dorgham Halasa, who attended the funeral, described the environment during the incident: "It was a weird situation, and heavy gunfire."
Medical officials confirmed that at least seven people were killed during the attack. The loss of life has been officially recorded as emergency personnel worked amidst the chaos to secure the perimeter of the church. The violence caused widespread alarm among the local community, as emergency teams worked to transport the wounded to nearby hospitals. Investigations by local authorities are ongoing to identify the gunmen and determine the motive behind the targeting of the congregation. The presence of the three gunmen, two with pistols and one with a semi-automatic weapon, remains a primary focus for law enforcement officials conducting the inquiry.
Demographic data indicates that Christians represent approximately two percent of Jordan's population. This minority group maintains a presence in various parts of the country, including Karak, where the church serves as a center for religious life. The targeting of this specific congregation has prompted discussions regarding the protection of such minority religious institutions within the city.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz commented on the broader implications of the violence from Amman. He stated: "Attacks on Christians continue to escalate worldwide and must be stopped." The incident has drawn attention to the security of religious sites, with officials monitoring the situation for further developments. The investigation into the 40 people injured and the seven people killed continues as authorities process the scene of the tragedy at the Greek Orthodox church in Karak.
