Jordan’s Public Security Directorate announced on Friday, October 23, 2026, that the toll from the criminal incident that took place during a funeral in Karak governorate has reached 6 dead and 28 injured so far, after unidentified gunmen opened fire on those attending a funeral service inside a church in the village of Hamoud in the south of the country.

Al-Mamlaka TV had earlier relayed, in a preliminary toll from a source, that at least 7 people were killed and about 10 others wounded, some critically — figures that differ from what official bodies later announced.

What the official statements said

In its first statement on the incident, the Public Security Directorate said:

“Security services in the field are following a shooting incident in Karak governorate. Statements with information will be issued once it is verified.”

It then issued a second statement, the only one so far to carry an official toll:

“6 martyrs and 28 injured is the toll of the criminal incident that took place during a funeral in Karak governorate so far. Investigations are proceeding at full pace and we will update you on the results of the investigations as they come.”

How the attack unfolded

According to initial information, two gunmen got out of a vehicle and opened fire on those attending the funeral before fleeing. An eyewitness said the shooting continued without letup for about five minutes, while between 150 and 200 people were inside the church and its surroundings.

Security forces threw a cordon around the site and launched wide-ranging sweeps and a manhunt for the attackers, as the wounded were taken to hospitals for treatment.

The government’s position: further statements after verification

Jordan’s Government Communications Minister, Mohammad al-Momani, said security services are following the incident, stressing that official bodies will issue further statements after verifying the information in circulation.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the attackers’ identity or motives, and no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

A warning against rumors

The Public Security Directorate cautioned against sharing unverified information or images of the incident and urged reliance on official statements, amid conflicting early accounts of the number of attackers and the final death toll.

A rare incident that revives fears over attacks on places of worship

The attack is among the rarest security incidents in Jordan, and has revived concerns about targeting of places of worship and civilian gatherings, as investigations continue to determine the background to the operation and who is behind it.

Source: Jordan’s Public Security Directorate and Al-Mamlaka TV