Eight people were killed and 40 others were wounded during a shooting at St. George's Greek Orthodox Church in Hammoud, Jordan, on 23 October 2026. Security forces and medical personnel responded to the site following the attack, which occurred during a service. Local authorities have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The victims were transported to nearby hospitals for emergency treatment, while police secured the perimeter of the church grounds. Officials in Jordan continue to evaluate the security situation in the area as the investigation into the perpetrators proceeds.
Details of the Attack
Approximately 200 mourners were present at the church during the attack. Most of the victims were between 50 and 70 years old. The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem condemned the violence, stating: "This terrorist attack against defenseless civilians is a grave offence against God and against humanity. To strike mourners at prayer, in a house of God, during the burial of their dead, violates every sacred and human value." Joseph Aoun, President of Lebanon, also responded to the incident. He remarked: "It reaffirms once again that terrorism has no religion and no homeland, and its aim is to strike at coexistence and spread strife." Authorities continue to process evidence from the scene as the investigation into the shooting remains ongoing.
Official Condemnation and Response
Jordanian government spokesman Mohammad Momani stated the gunmen were driven by extremist ideology. He added, "Any attack against a Jordanian, regardless of religion or belief, is an attack on Jordanian society as a whole." King Abdullah II also addressed the incident, asserting, "Every Jordanian life is precious, and we will strike with an iron fist against those who dare to threaten our nation." The monarch further noted, "Whoever imagines that the bullets of treachery can divide the ranks of Jordanians will fail in his endeavor before our steadfastness and unity." To commemorate the eight individuals killed in the attack, church bells rang across Jordan at noon on 24 October 2026. The tolling of bells served as a national act of remembrance for the victims who lost their lives at St. George's Greek Orthodox Church.
Leaders Denounce the Violence
Three gunmen carried out the attack during a funeral service at the church. These assailants fired continuously for five minutes before fleeing the scene.
Jordan has experienced previous incidents of mass violence in past decades. In 2005, Al-Qaida-linked suicide bombers attacked three hotels in Amman. That event resulted in 60 deaths.
A decade later, a series of attacks occurred in Karak. These operations targeted police and a historic castle, causing 10 deaths.
