Gunmen Kill Seven at Jordan Church
Source reports published 23 Oct 2026, 11:55 pm – 24 Oct 2026, 5:40 am AEST
Gunmen opened fire during a funeral at a Greek Orthodox church in Karak, Jordan, killing seven people and wounding 34. Jordanian authorities are pursuing the attackers and the King has vowed retaliation.
What happened
- Gunmen attacked a Greek Orthodox church in Karak, Jordan, during a funeral procession on Friday.
- According to reports, three gunmen approached the church, firing pistols and a semi-automatic rifle.
- The attack was described as a "terrorist act" by King Abdullah II, who vowed the perpetrators would face "the harshest penalties."
- Jordanian security forces are actively pursuing the gunmen, and a government statement indicated investigations were underway.
- The attack occurred in Karak, a region with a minority Christian population, and followed a previous attack in the same area in 2016.
- Interior Minister Mazin Al Farrayeh stated the attack was carried out by "extremists" but that the investigation was ongoing.
- King Abdullah II emphasized Jordanian unity in response to the attack, stating that Jordanians would confront those seeking to divide the nation.
- Witnesses described a chaotic scene with dozens of people wounded and collapsing after the gunfire.
Original reporting
- PBS NewsHour: Gunmen open fire at a church during a funeral in Jordan, killing 7 and wounding 34
2026-10-23T18:20:06+00:00 - France 24 English: Several killed, dozens wounded in Jordan church shooting
2026-10-23T14:16:29+00:00 - New York Times World: Gunmen Open Fire at Church in Jordan, Killing at Least Seven
2026-10-23T19:40:34+00:00 - Fox News World: Gunmen kill 7 at Christian church in Jordan in what king calls act of terrorism
2026-10-23T18:01:47+00:00 - GB News: At least six people shot dead and 28 injured at church in Jordan as police hunt for two gunmen
2026-10-23T13:55:00+00:00 - South China Morning Post: Gunmen kill 7 at Jordan church, king vows retaliation
2026-10-23T17:17:41+00:00