Shots Fired at Greek Orthodox Church in Jordan During Funeral, 7 Dead, Dozens Injured — Attack Footage Released

The Greek Orthodox Church of St. George in the village of Hammoud, Karak province, southern Jordan, was attacked on Friday, 23 October, during a funeral service. Armed men opened fire on gathered parishioners, killing seven and injuring dozens. The attack was captured on video and widely shared by Jordanian and international media, showing three assailants approaching the church and firing toward the crowd before fleeing.

Eyewitness accounts indicate the shooting began shortly after the funeral ceremony. Surveillance footage released by Jordanian state television, Al-Mammaka, shows the attackers targeting those present at the church and surrounding areas. Initial reports of six deaths and 28 injuries were later updated by medical authorities to seven fatalities and 34 wounded, with some victims in critical condition.

Jordanian officials have condemned the attack as an act of terrorism, with Interior Minister Mazen Al-Faraya describing it as perpetrated by extremists. Investigative and operational units are actively working to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. However, no group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack. King Abdullah II of Jordan has also denounced the violence and called for justice for the victims.

The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, along with the Holy Synod and Jordanian Metropolitan Christopher, expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and the broader Jordanian community. In an official statement, the Patriarchate strongly condemned the attack on its parishioners, reiterating its commitment to the peaceful coexistence of Christians and Muslims in Jordan.

The church leadership emphasized that violence should not be used to intimidate or force the Christian community to leave their homes. The Patriarchate reaffirmed its stance that such attempts would not succeed, underscoring the resilience of the community in the face of adversity. The attack has sparked renewed calls for security and protection for religious minorities in the region.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Russian)