BY  :Christian Today Staff Writer

Thousands of people gathered at St George’s Greek Orthodox Church in Hamoud, Karak, Jordan, on Sunday to mourn eight of the nine men killed in an attack on the church during a funeral on 23 October. The ninth victim, Mohammed al-Qasous, was buried on Monday.

Security was tightened as the coffins, draped in Jordanian flags, were carried through the crowds gathered to pay their respects. Tributes to the victims have also been widely shared on social media.

The nine men were shot dead when gunmen attacked a funeral service attended by around 200 people. Another 40 people were injured, including two who remained in critical condition, according to reports.

Jordanian security forces detained three suspects on Monday following a shootout in Karak governorate. All three were wounded. Authorities have not announced a confirmed motive for the attack, and no extremist group has claimed responsibility.

Christians make up nearly three per cent of Jordan’s predominantly Muslim population. The attack has prompted expressions of solidarity from Muslims across the country, with members of the Muslim community joining Christians in mourning the victims. Muslims were also among those injured in the shooting.

Shawn Wright, president of International Christian Concern (ICC), condemned the attack and called for those responsible to face justice.

“Friday’s attack on the Hammoud Church in Jordan is a heinous assault on the universal human right to worship freely,” Wright said. He expressed support for those grieving the loss of loved ones and called for the perpetrators to be held accountable through due legal process.

The attack has renewed concerns about the safety of religious communities and the right of people to worship freely. As investigations continue, families and communities are mourning the dead and hoping for the recovery of those who were injured.

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