Gunmen Attack Church in Jordan During Funeral

A group of gunmen attacked a Christian church in Jordan on Friday during a funeral, resulting in nine deaths and over two dozen injuries, as reported by officials.

The incident occurred at a Greek Orthodox church in Karak, which is located approximately 55 miles south of Amman, the capital of Jordan.

According to Jordanian Health Minister Ibrahim al-Budour, one critically injured individual remains hospitalized at Prince Ali Military Hospital in unstable condition.

Government spokesperson Mohammad Momani stated that the attackers were motivated by “extremist takfiri ideology,” an interpretation of Islam that labels those who differ from strict beliefs as nonbelievers. This ideology has been used by terrorist organizations like ISIS to justify violence against various religious groups, including Muslims, Christians, and Jews.

Karak has a significant Christian population, and Momani emphasized the importance of Christians as integral to Jordan’s society.

It is still unclear if the assailants were linked to any specific terrorist group, and as of Saturday, there have been no arrests connected to the shooting.

Footage broadcast on Jordanian state television showed two gunmen with pistols approaching the church and opening fire, as reported by The Associated Press. A third shooter, armed with a semiautomatic rifle, joined them shortly after they began shooting.

Witness accounts described scenes of chaos, with broken glass and blood evident inside the church after the attackers fled. Once the area was secured by authorities, two bodies wrapped in blankets were seen outside.

Dorgham Halasa, who was present, shared that gunfire erupted about 15 minutes into the funeral service, prompting attendees to flee. He mentioned that he did not see the gunmen firsthand but spoke to others who claimed there were at least four attackers, although this number has not been officially confirmed.

In response to the assault, King Abdullah II declared that Jordan would respond to this terror act with severe penalties.

“Anyone who believes that such acts of treachery can divide the Jordanian people will be proven wrong by our unity and resolve,” he expressed, sending condolences to the families of those affected and wishing a swift recovery to the injured.

Jordan has declared three days of national mourning following this tragic event.