Jordan Church Shooting: Three Suspects Arrested Over Attack That Killed Nine During Funeral

Jordanian security forces have arrested three people on Monday, 26 October, in connection with the attack on a church in Jordan on Friday, 23 October. Nine people were killed and 40 injured.

The death toll was first reported as seven. It later rose to eight and then to nine. The security forces arrested the three on the allegation of carrying out the killings at the church.

Attack Took Place During a Funeral

Three gunmen opened fire during a funeral at a Greek Orthodox church in Hamoud village, Karak governorate, on Friday, 23 October. CCTV footage showed the three firing at people at the church while hiding behind trees and a wall on the pavement. They then ran into the church and continued firing.

The gunmen fired for several minutes, causing panic in the church. Between 150 and 200 people were present at the time. The gunmen fled in the same car in which they had arrived.

Nine people died in the attack. The 40 injured have been admitted to hospital for treatment.

Investigation Continues

The security forces have started questioning the three accused. The investigation is continuing.

No terror group had claimed responsibility for the attack. It is yet to be known whether the accused belong to any terror group. Their motive for the attack will also be known only after questioning.

The shooting was considered an unusual security incident in Jordan. Large-scale terror attacks, and especially attacks targeting Christians, are rarely seen there. Jordan has had terror attacks in the past. Jordanian authorities say the country's security forces have repeatedly foiled several attack attempts by Islamist extremist groups.