Seven people were killed and at least 34 others were injured during a shooting at a funeral in central Jordan on Friday. The attack took place at a church in Hmoud, located in the Karak governorate. This violent incident occurred while mourners were gathered to pay their respects, resulting in a significant loss of life and multiple injuries. Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun condemned the violence, stating, "The heinous terrorist attack on the church violated the sanctity of death and funeral mourners, contradicts all religious and humanitarian values." Authorities have not yet identified the perpetrators or provided further details regarding the circumstances of the incident. The injured individuals were transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment following the assault. Security forces remain deployed in the area as investigations into the attack continue.
Details of the Shooting
Between 150 and 200 people were inside the church when the shooting began. The large gathering of mourners was interrupted by the sudden onset of gunfire, which caused chaos within the facility. CCTV footage captured the arrival of three gunmen armed with handguns who carried out the attack. These three individuals were seen entering the vicinity of the church before engaging in the shooting that led to the casualties. The presence of these armed individuals within the church grounds is a primary focus of the ongoing forensic analysis being conducted by local authorities.
King Abdullah II addressed the incident following the violence in Karak. "Whoever imagines that the bullets of treachery can divide the ranks of Jordanians will fail in his endeavour before our steadfastness and unity," King Abdullah II stated. The monarch emphasized the resilience of the local population in the face of the tragedy.
Official Response and Investigation
Interior Minister Mazen al-Faraya described the perpetrators as a group of extremists following the attack in Hmoud. Authorities continue to examine evidence collected from the church grounds to determine the full scope of the operation. The investigation is currently focused on analyzing the specific movements of the three gunmen as documented by the surveillance systems in place at the church. Security personnel are currently coordinating with local intelligence units in the Karak governorate to track the individuals responsible for the shooting. The investigation remains active as officials review the footage recovered from the scene to identify the specific motives behind the violence.
Minister Mazen al-Faraya oversees the ongoing efforts to secure the area and ensure public order. The ministry is working to establish a timeline of the events that transpired on Friday, specifically looking at how the three armed individuals accessed the church during the funeral service. While security forces have established a perimeter around the site in the Karak governorate, no arrests have been reported by the ministry at this stage of the investigation. Officials are continuing to interview witnesses who were present among the 150 to 200 people inside the building to gather further intelligence on the identities of the gunmen. The recovery of evidence from the site is expected to assist in the identification process as the government continues its search for the perpetrators.
