Jordan church attack investigators have arrested three suspects following a deadly shooting at a Greek Orthodox church in Karak governorate. The attack killed nine people and injured 25 others during a funeral gathering on Friday.
Jordanian state television announced the arrests on Monday, October 26, following a joint security operation. Specialized investigation teams and security personnel apprehended the suspects after conducting raids. Authorities reported that all three suspects sustained injuries during an armed confrontation with security forces.
The shooting took place at St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church in Hammoud village. According to Jordanian authorities, gunmen entered the church compound during a funeral procession and opened fire. The incident shocked residents and raised serious concerns about security and religious coexistence in the country.
King Abdullah II confirmed the arrests on Monday through a statement published on his X account. He said security forces had pursued those responsible and pledged that the perpetrators would face justice. The king also warned against extremist ideologies that seek to divide Jordanian society.
Earlier, the monarch described the safety and security of Jordanians as a red line. During a National Security Council meeting on Saturday, he promised that authorities would hold those responsible accountable. He had also vowed a strong response following Friday’s shooting.
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mazen Al-Faraya said authorities had apprehended the suspects and were investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack. Investigators are examining factors that may have contributed to the suspects’ radicalisation. The minister also pledged accountability for anyone found to have participated in the crime.
The Jordan church attack has drawn particular attention because Karak hosts a significant Christian community. Christians represent approximately two to three percent of Jordan’s predominantly Muslim population. The attack therefore intensified concerns about protecting religious communities and maintaining the country’s longstanding social cohesion.
In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Jafar Hassan declared three days of national mourning beginning Friday. Government buildings and public institutions lowered their flags to half-mast in remembrance of the victims. The decision reflected the seriousness of the incident and the loss experienced by affected families.
On Sunday, mourners gathered to bury eight of the nine victims near the church. Their flag-draped coffins passed through a large crowd that included religious representatives and security personnel. The funeral brought together community members to honour those killed in the shooting.
Authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the violence, including the factors that led to the attack. However, officials have not publicly provided further details about the suspects or any possible wider involvement. The investigation will determine the full sequence of events and establish responsibility.
The arrests mark a significant development in the response to the deadly shooting. Nevertheless, the Jordan church attack has left families grieving and communities seeking reassurance. Jordanian leaders have stressed accountability, public safety and the rejection of extremism as authorities continue their investigation.
