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Gunmen kill six at church funeral in southern Jordan

Attackers fired for minutes in Karak governorate; investigation launched as motive remains unclear

By LineZotpaper

Published23 October 2026

Updated23 October 2026

Read Time2 min

Sources4 outlets

Two gunmen opened fire inside a Greek Orthodox church in Jordan's Karak governorate on Friday, killing six mourners and wounding 28 others during a funeral. Witnesses described a terrifying scene of continuous shooting as security forces were deployed and a government investigation began.

One witness, Khaled Burqan, told Jordan's al-Mamlaka state television that the two assailants, armed with a rifle and a pistol, fired at the congregation for several minutes. Between 150 and 200 people were inside the church at the time of the funeral.

The gunmen arrived by car and fled immediately after the attack, according to the Public Security Directorate. Government spokesman Mohammad al-Momani condemned the assault as 'heinous' and confirmed that security forces had been deployed to the area. Authorities said an investigation is under way and that further details would be released as they become available.

The state-run news agency earlier reported a death toll of seven before officials confirmed the lower count of six dead and 28 injured.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack. Violence against civilians is rare in Jordan, noted for its stability in the Middle East. The Karak governorate has a significant Christian community within the majority-Muslim kingdom. The targeting of a religious ceremony has drawn widespread condemnation and raised concerns for the safety of minority groups in the region.

Analysis

Why This Matters

A rare and deadly attack on a religious ceremony in Jordan, highlighting security challenges in an otherwise stable country.
The targeting of a Christian funeral raises specific fears for the safety of religious minorities in the region.
The incident tests the government's ability to maintain security and could affect the country's reputation for stability.

Background

Jordan is a majority-Muslim kingdom with a long-standing Christian minority that has largely coexisted peacefully. The Karak governorate is particularly known for its Christian communities. While the country faces external security threats, large-scale attacks on specific religious gatherings are uncommon, making this a significant departure from the norm.

Key Perspectives

Jordanian Government: Has condemned the attack and launched a full investigation, deploying security forces to track down the assailants. Witnesses and Local Community: Report a terrifying scene of indiscriminate firing during a funeral, leaving the local community in shock and mourning. Regional Analysts: Will be assessing the identity of the attackers and whether this marks a new type of security threat within the kingdom.

What to Watch

Whether any group claims responsibility for the attack.
The outcome of the security investigation and any arrests made.
Any changes to security protocols for religious sites across Jordan.

Sources

Gunmen open fire at church in Jordan, killing at least six · Just In
At least seven killed after gunmen open fire at church in Jordan · Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera
Six shot dead by gunmen at church funeral in Jordan, officials say · BBC News
Jordan: Karak church shooting leaves 7 dead, dozens injured · DW English

Checked

12 claims in this story checked against 2 sources: 6 supported.

Show each claim

SupportedSix people were killed in a shooting at a church funeral.BBC News: “Six people were killed when two gunmen opened fire on a funeral in central Jordan, a government spokesperson has said.”
Reports differThe attack took place in southern Jordan.BBC News: “Six people were killed when two gunmen opened fire on a funeral in central Jordan, a government spokesperson has said.”
SupportedTwenty-eight people were wounded.BBC News: “Another 28 people were injured in the church in the Karak governorate on Friday.”
SupportedThe attack happened during a funeral at a Greek Orthodox church in Karak.Just In: “The attack took place during a funeral at a Greek Orthodox church with between 150 and 200 people inside, the state news agency said.”
SupportedThe attackers fired for several minutes.BBC News: “He said the two attackers armed with a rifle and a pistol had been firing at the mourners for several minutes.”
Not in the sourcesThe motive remains unclear.
Partly supportedWitnesses described a terrifying scene of continuous shooting.Just In: “An eyewitness told the news outlet that a vehicle arrived carrying the gunmen, who fired continuously for five minutes before fleeing the scene.”
Partly supportedThe gunmen arrived by car and fled, according to the Public Security Directorate.BBC News: “The unidentified gunmen are reported to have arrived in a car and began shooting inside the church before fleeing the scene.”
SupportedSecurity forces were deployed to the area.BBC News: “Security forces have been deployed to the area after the “heinous” attack, government spokesman Mohammad al-Momani said.”
SupportedAuthorities said an investigation was underway.Just In: “Authorities said an investigation was underway and that they would announce its findings as they became available.”
Partly supportedMohammad al-Momani condemned the assault as “heinous.”BBC News: “Security forces have been deployed to the area after the “heinous” attack, government spokesman Mohammad al-Momani said.”
Not in the sourcesThe attack drew widespread condemnation and raised concerns about minority-group safety.