Two unidentified gunmen opened fire during a funeral gathering at Hamoud Church in Jordan’s Karak governorate. Security forces launched a search for the suspects.
AMMAN, JORDAN — WEB DESK:At least seven people were killed and 10 others injured after two unidentified gunmen opened fire during a funeral gathering at Hamoud Church in Jordan’s Karak governorate on Friday, October 23, according to reports by Jordanian state broadcaster Al-Mamlaka and Reuters.
The shooting prompted a security response, with authorities launching a search for the suspects. The motive for the attack and the identities of those responsible had not been established in the reports available at the time of publication.
Gunmen Open Fire During Funeral
According to Al-Mamlaka, two armed men got out of a vehicle and opened fire during a funeral procession at Hamoud Church in Karak, southern Jordan.
A funeral attendee, Khaled Burqan, told the broadcaster that dozens of mourners were present when the attackers began shooting. He said one gunman carried a rifle while the other had a pistol, and the shooting continued for several minutes.
The reported death toll stood at seven, with another 10 people injured. Some of the injured were reported to be in critical condition by regional media.
Security Forces Pursue Suspects
Jordanian security forces responded to the incident and began pursuing the suspected attackers, according to state media and Reuters.
Authorities had not publicly identified the suspects or established a motive in the reports reviewed. No group had claimed responsibility for the shooting at the time of reporting.
The investigation remains a developing story, and further official information may clarify the circumstances of the attack and the condition of those injured.
Background: Christians in Jordan
Jordan has a Christian minority and is home to several religious and historical sites that attract pilgrims from around the world. The country has generally experienced less internal violence than several other states in the region, making a deadly attack at a place of worship a significant security incident.
Authorities have yet to establish whether the shooting was motivated by religious, political or other factors. Any explanation of the motive would be premature until investigators provide further details.
