Police tracking down man who shot at Jiza education directorate

AMMAN — An investigations is still under way on Thursday to identify and track down a person who fired five bullets at the Jiza education directorate building, a Public Security Department (PSD) official said on Thursday. 

PSD Spokesperson Maj. Amer Sartawi said the motive behind the incident remains unknown and the investigation is ongoing to find the shooter.

"There were no injuries recorded," Sartawi added. 

The person fired an M16 rifle at the directorate in southern Amman, its director, Salem Shraideh, said.

"We don't know when it happened, but it was either Wednesday evening or Thursday morning," Shraideh told The Jordan Times over the phone. 

He said the results of the General Secondary Certificate Examination’s (Tawjihi) winter session, which were released Wednesday, might have motivated the shooter.

Shraideh said 1,416 students took part in this year's winter session in Jiza District and only 160 of them passed. 

"Some of the building's windows were damaged due to the shooting. We immediately informed security services when we found out about the incident," he added.

Jordan Teachers Association Spokesperson Ayman Okour said members of the syndicate's main branch in Amman, including its president, paid a visit to the area to express their support for the Jiza education directorate.

"We condemn this act and call for enhancing security presence at educational facilities in the Kingdom," Okour said, underscoring that this incident highlights the urgent need to meet the JTA's demand to amend the Penal Code.

"The prime minister promised to introduce amendments related to attacks against teachers and educational staff in Jordan. Penalties must be harsh when it comes to assaults on teachers," Okour added.