Seven Killed in Shooting at Karak Church During Funeral
A gun attack at the Hammoud Church in Karak, Jordan, left seven dead and dozens injured, prompting a national security investigation and statements of retaliation from King Abdullah II.
Seven people were killed and 34 injured when gunmen opened fire on a funeral procession at the Hammoud Church in the southern Jordanian governorate of Karak on Friday, Jordan's public security director Obaidallah Maaytah said. Twenty-seven of the wounded are receiving treatment in hospitals.
According to state media, two unidentified men carried out the attack, which occurred while around 150 to 200 mourners were present. Jordan's Interior Minister Mazen Al-Faraya described the perpetrators as "extremists" and said authorities have identified suspects but have not released their names. Government spokesperson Mohammad al-Momani announced that security forces have launched a probe into the incident.
King Abdullah II condemned the attack, stating it would be met with the "harshest retaliation" and emphasizing national unity. The royal court released images of the king visiting the hospital where the victims are being treated.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed condolences, calling the incident a "terrorist attack." U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz described the event as "devastating" and urged an end to attacks on Christians worldwide. A spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the assault on a place of worship "especially heinous."