Gunmen Kill at Least Seven at a Christian Funeral in Jordan
Attackers opened fire on mourners at a Greek Orthodox church in Karak province. Jordan's government called it a terrorist attack, and King Abdullah vowed to strike back with an "iron fist"
The short answer
On Friday 23 October 2026, gunmen opened fire on mourners at a funeral at a Greek Orthodox church in Karak province, Jordan — identified by CNN, via Christian Daily International, as St. George's Greek Orthodox Church in Hmood, and by International Christian Concern as Hammoud Church. At least seven people were killed; reports of the injured range from 28 to 34. Jordanian officials described it as a terrorist attack targeting Christians, and King Abdullah vowed to respond with an "iron fist."
They had gathered to grieve. On Friday, gunmen turned a funeral into a massacre.
What Happened
Gunmen opened fire on mourners at a funeral at a Greek Orthodox church in Karak province, about 180 km (112 miles) south of Amman. CNN, reported by Christian Daily International via The Christian Post, identified it as St. George's Greek Orthodox Church in Hmood; International Christian Concern (ICC) named it Hammoud Church.
"Gunmen killed at least seven and injured dozens at a funeral at a Greek Orthodox church in Karak, Jordan — a rare attack on Christians in a country known for coexistence. Jordan calls it terrorism; the investigation continues."
Click to copy and share- At least seven people were killed.
- Reports of the injured range from 28 (CNN) to 34 (ICC).
- More than 150 people were inside and outside the church at the time, a witness told Jordanian television.
Security footage showed three gunmen — two with pistols and one with a rifle — firing on the street before moving toward the church. A witness told CNN the attackers shouted "Allahu Akbar" as they fired on the courtyard where most mourners were standing. "They struck people who were gathered to grieve and mourn," she said. "I never ever imagined anything like this would ever happen anywhere in Jordan."
Jordan's Response
A public security official called it a terrorist attack against Christians attending a funeral, and Interior Minister Mazen al-Farrayeh described it as "a terrorist operation carried out by a group of extremists." King Abdullah wrote: "The blood of Jordanians is precious, and we will strike with an iron fist against anyone who oversteps against this country." Authorities are searching for the attackers and investigating.
"Friday's attack on the Hammoud Church in Jordan is a heinous assault on the universal human right to worship freely," said Shawn Wright, president of ICC.
Why This Is So Shocking
Jordan is known across the region for peaceful coexistence. Christians make up about 2–3% of the population, but the town where the attack happened has long been predominantly Christian. Attacks targeting Christians have been rare — plots against churches were foiled in 2008 and 2009, according to al-Monitor. Jordan ranks 49th on Open Doors' 2026 World Watch List.
Details may change as the investigation continues. We will update this story.
Pray
Pray for the families of those killed — grieving a second time, at a funeral. Pray for the injured, for Jordan's Christian community, for wisdom and justice for the authorities, and for the peace Jordan has long been known for. Our guide on how to pray for the persecuted church can help.
Gunmen killed at least seven and injured dozens at a funeral at a Greek Orthodox church in Karak, Jordan — a rare attack on Christians in a country known for coexistence. Jordan calls it terrorism; the investigation continues.
Biblical Perspective
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18). Jesus wept at a graveside (John 11:35) before raising Lazarus, and promised, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die" (John 11:25).
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
— Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
Pray With Us
Lord Jesus, You are the resurrection and the life. Comfort the families in Karak who came to mourn and now mourn again. Heal the wounded. Protect Jordan's Christians, bring the attackers to justice, and preserve the peace of that land. Let Your church answer hatred with faith and love. Amen.
Declarations to Speak
- ›Jesus is the resurrection and the life!
- ›The Lord is close to the brokenhearted!
- ›The church in Jordan will not be afraid!
Take Action
- 1Pray for the families of the victims and the injured in Karak.
- 2Pray for Jordan's Christian community and its leaders.
- 3Share this alert so the church worldwide can pray.
"Gunmen killed at least seven at a Christian funeral in Jordan. Pray for the families of Karak."
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Every time you pray over a story and speak life, you are partnering with Heaven to see God's Kingdom come on earth. When believers around the world agree in prayer, mountains move. Keep praying over these matters — your consistency in intercession is changing the world.
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Prayer Is Powerful — So Is Action.
You've prayed. Now take it further. Join or start an outreach group in your area and take the love of Jesus to the streets. Every act of love, every meal shared, every prayer prayed in person is the Kingdom advancing in your community.
"Faith without works is dead." — James 2:26
Questions people are asking
What happened at the church in Karak, Jordan?
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On 23 October 2026, gunmen opened fire on mourners at a funeral at a Greek Orthodox church in Karak province, Jordan, killing at least seven people and injuring between 28 and 34, according to reports from CNN (via Christian Daily International) and International Christian Concern. Jordanian officials called it a terrorist attack.
Are Christians persecuted in Jordan?
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Jordan is known for relatively peaceful coexistence and attacks on Christians have been rare, but Jordan ranks 49th on Open Doors' 2026 World Watch List. Christians make up about 2–3% of the population.
Sources & further reading
- 1.Gunmen Attack Church, Kill 7 During Funeral in JordanInternational Christian Concern
- 2.Islamic extremists kill Christians in mass shooting at funeral in JordanThe Christian Post (Christian Daily International)
About the Author
Daniel Ziedins
Founder & Editor-in-Chief
Daniel Ziedins is the founder and editor-in-chief of Thy Kingdom News. A passionate believer with a heart for revival, missions, and seeing God's Kingdom advance across the earth, Daniel created this platform to report on what God is doing in the nations — the stories the mainstream media won't tell. He is also the creator of LoveOnTheWorldMap.com, a global initiative to map acts of God's love worldwide. Daniel believes that every testimony, every revival report, and every prayer answered is evidence that the Kingdom of God is here and advancing.
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
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