Gunmen Kill at Least Seven at a Greek Orthodox Church Funeral in Jordan; King Abdullah Calls It Terrorism

Gunmen attacked a church in Jordan on Friday, killing at least seven people in what the country's king calls a terrorist attack.

What happened. The shooting broke out during a funeral at a Greek Orthodox church in Karak, about 110 miles south of the capital, Amman. Karak has a minority Christian population. At least seven people were killed and 34 were wounded. Jordan's director of public security, Maj. Gen. Obeidallah Maaytah, said 27 of the wounded were still being treated.

The footage. Jordanian state television showed two gunmen who appeared to be holding pistols approaching the church and firing, the Associated Press reports. A third man who appeared to be carrying a semiautomatic rifle then opened fire, and all three ran toward the church.

The king's response. King Abdullah II wrote on X, "The terrorist attack against Karak will be met with the harshest retaliation. Those who delude themselves into thinking that they can divide Jordanians with their bullets have no chance in the face of our unity." He added, "we will strike with an iron fist against those who dare to threaten our nation."

What is not known. A government statement said the attack was "carried out by unknown assailants" and that investigations were "underway at full speed." It did not say whether any gunmen were captured or killed, and the text we reviewed names no group as responsible.

Background. Fox notes that in 2016, gunmen ambushed police in a series of attacks in Karak, including at a Crusader castle popular with tourists. Ten people died, including seven officers. Jordanian forces killed those attackers after a long standoff. Iraq's foreign minister, Fuad Hussein, said he called his Jordanian counterpart to affirm solidarity "in the face of terrorism."

Note for readers: this is an early report and the numbers could change. The motive and the identity of the attackers have not been announced.