Jordanians mourn victims of deadly church attack

At least nine people were killed and more than 40 injured when gunmen opened fire during a funeral at a Greek Orthodox Church in Hamoud, Karak governorate, Jordan, on Friday, October 23, 2026. The attack occurred around 150 to 200 people had gathered inside and outside the church for the service; eyewitnesses reported seeing three to four gunmen with pistols and a rifle fire indiscriminately at mourners for several minutes before fleeing. Security forces deployed immediately but have yet to apprehend the assailants or claim responsibility.

Jordan’s King Abdullah II vowed that those responsible would face “the harshest penalties,” while Prime Minister Jafar Hassan declared three days of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast across the country. The government stated Christians are an integral part of Jordanian society and history. On Sunday, October 25, thousands gathered for the funerals of eight victims; authorities expect another victim's burial on Monday.

This rare attack against Jordan’s Christian minority, which makes up about 2% of the population, has prompted national mourning and a strong response from government officials emphasizing unity and security measures.