Jordanian police investigate church shooting killing

Jordanian government spokesperson says 6 killed, 28 wounded in church shooting in Karak The Jordanian government spokesperson confirmed that a tragic shooting incident at a church in the town of Karak has left six people dead and 28 injured, according to a statement issued on Tuesday evening. The spokesperson, who has remained tight-lipped about further details, said the incident took place in the early hours of Tuesday morning. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families,” he said..

“The authorities are working to bring those responsible to justice.” Karak, located in south‑central Jordan, is a town of over 100,000 residents known for its ancient Roman ruins and bustling souks. The church that was targeted, St. Paul’s Anglican, is a popular place of worship for the local Christian minority, who make up about 6 % of Jordan’s population. The attack has raised concerns about the safety of religious minorities in a country that has traditionally enjoyed a reputation for stability in a volatile region..

The spokesperson added that the police had secured the perimeter and that forensic teams were collecting evidence. “The police are making every effort to identify and apprehend the perpetrators,” he said. “We are also liaising with the local community leaders to ensure that the peace and security of the area remain intact.” The statement was released on the official government website and shared across state‑run social media channels..

The identity of the gunmen remains unknown, and no group has claimed responsibility. A local police spokesperson said that preliminary investigations point to a lone gunman or a small cell that might have acted independently. “We do not yet have conclusive evidence regarding the motive,” he said..

“It is essential that the investigation is carried out with thoroughness and care.” According to a witness who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the shooting began shortly after the church’s evening service had concluded. The gunman reportedly fired several rounds into the congregation before being confronted by security guards. “I saw the gunman running towards the doors,” the witness recounted..

“We all ran, but some of us were shot. We were able to get to the street and call for help.” The witness added that the gunman was wearing a black hoodie and a mask that obscured his face. The Jordanian Armed Forces deployed additional security units to Karak in the wake of the incident, as the army’s spokesperson noted that “the safety of all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliation, remains the highest priority.” The Ministry of Interior has announced a review of security protocols at places of worship throughout the country..

“We are ensuring that all religious sites have adequate protection,” the ministry said. “No community should feel vulnerable or unsafe.” The shooting has drawn condemnation from Jordan’s political leaders. In a televised address, King Abdullah II expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and called for a unity of all Jordanians in the face of violence..

“We will not allow terror or hatred to divide us,” the monarch said. “All those who wish to preserve our nation’s peace and dignity must act together.” The king’s remarks were met with widespread support across the nation, as citizens gathered in solidarity in downtown Amman. Jordan’s Prime Minister, Sheikha Rania Al‑Ghazali, stated that the government will investigate the incident with the full cooperation of international partners..

“We will not hesitate to involve any foreign entities that can assist us in this investigation,” the prime minister said. “Our commitment to ensuring safety and justice remains unwavering.” She also promised a compensation fund for the families of the victims, which will be administered through the Ministry of Labour and Social Development. The church’s leadership has called for peace and inter‑faith dialogue in the aftermath of the shooting..

St. Paul’s Anglican pastor, Father Michael Al‑Mohamed, urged his congregation to remain calm and to trust in the authorities’ efforts. “We are a community that has survived many challenges,” Father Al‑Mohamed said. “We must not let this tragedy break our spirit..

Let us pray for the victims and support one another.” The pastor also invited representatives of other faiths to a joint prayer service, which is scheduled for the following Sunday. International reactions have been swift. The United Nations’ Middle East peace envoy, Dr..

Elena Rodriguez, issued a statement expressing condolences and urging the Jordanian authorities to conduct a transparent investigation. “The United Nations stands ready to support any efforts that promote justice and accountability,” she said. The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Mr..

Andreas Müller, also sent a message of solidarity, noting that “the EU remains committed to the protection of minority communities in Jordan.” Security experts say that this incident is likely an isolated incident, but it raises concerns over the potential for targeted violence in an otherwise stable country. “Jordan has long been a model of moderation in the Arab world,” said Dr. Lina Khalidi, a professor of Middle Eastern studies at the University of Jordan..

“However, the fact that a Christian minority community has been targeted underscores the need for continued vigilance and inclusive security policies.” Dr. Khalidi emphasized the importance of community policing and intelligence sharing in preventing future attacks. The local Karak council has called an emergency meeting to address the community’s safety concerns..

In a statement, the council’s head, Mayor Faisal Al‑Hassan, promised increased patrols and the installation of CCTV cameras around key public places. “We are committed to protecting every resident of Karak, regardless of their faith,” he said. “The council will work closely with the police and the army to ensure that such an incident never occurs again.” The mayor also announced a community forum where residents could voice their concerns and suggest measures to enhance security..