Particle.news

Gunmen Kill Six at Funeral in Karak, Jordan

Launching a manhunt, authorities imposed a temporary media blackout during a formal investigation into the rare attack on a Christian funeral.

Overview

  • The shooting occurred on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, when two armed men opened fire at a funeral service at the Greek Orthodox Hamoud Church in Karak.
  • The government reported six people killed and 28 wounded while state TV initially gave a higher toll of seven dead, reflecting evolving casualty figures.
  • Eyewitnesses said one attacker used a rifle and the other a pistol and that the pair fired for several minutes before fleeing the scene.
  • Security forces were on site and launched a pursuit of the suspects, and the state news agency Petra said a temporary news blackout was imposed during the inquiry.
  • Attacks on religious gatherings are rare in Jordan but raise wider security concerns given past violence in Karak and increased regional tensions this year.