Seven killed, at least 34 injured in attack on funeral gathering at Jordan church

Karak, Jordan, October 24, 2026 — Seven people have been killed and at least 34 others injured after gunmen opened fire at a church in Hmoud, in Jordan’s Karak governorate, during a funeral gathering on Friday, officials said.

The unidentified attackers reportedly arrived in a car, entered the church and began shooting before fleeing. No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Speaking at a news conference, Interior Minister Mazen al-Faraya said authorities were working to arrest those responsible, describing them as a “group of extremists.” He called the incident “painful and horrific” and said it was unprecedented in the history of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

King Abdullah II said the authorities would “confront the terrorist act that targeted Karak with the harshest penalties.”

Officials initially reported seven deaths. A government spokesperson later revised the toll to six before authorities confirmed seven fatalities again.

Closed-circuit television footage verified by the BBC appeared to show three gunmen approaching the church from a nearby road. Two were seen moving towards what appeared to be a vehicle entrance to the church grounds before briefly retreating and returning with a third man. All three appeared to be carrying handguns.

Separate footage believed to have been recorded after the attack appeared to show dead and wounded people lying on the ground amid scenes of confusion.

Witnesses described panic inside the church as people sought shelter beneath pews and moved away from windows. Prayers and screams could be heard as some tried to escape.

Khalid al-Mdanat, who was at the church, told BBC Arabic that the attack lasted around 15 minutes, with people trying to flee while gunfire continued.

“People began pushing and throwing themselves to the ground,” he said. “Some were taking cover, some were cradling the dead, others were holding their sons close, some were grabbing their children and fleeing, while others were holding onto their friends who were with them at the church.”