Policeman kills five, injures six at police training centre

AMMAN — A Jordanian police officer on Monday killed five contractors working with the Public Security Department, and injured six people before he was killed, according to Government Spokesperson Mohammad Momani.

Two US nationals, two Jordanians and one South African were among the victims, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The shooter, identified by a relative as Captain Anwar Abu Zaid, also injured two other US contractors, three Jordanian police officers, and one Lebanese lieutenant, Momani said in a statement carried by Petra.

PSD personnel dealt with the incident, which took place at a police training facility in east Amman, and killed the shooter, Momani said, adding that an investigation is under way.

The 28-year-old shooter was from the village of Rimoun, in the northern Governorate of Jerash, a relative of his told The Jordan Times.

Abu Zaid was a graduate of the military branch of Mutah University, according to the relative, who preferred to remain unnamed.

He is survived by his wife and two children –– a boy and a girl –– said the source, adding that Abu Zaid was known among residents of the village as “a very kind person, who was religious but moderate”.

Residents of the northern village, the relative said, were in “complete shock”.  

Later on Monday, His Majesty King Abdullah visited those who were injured at the King Hussein Medical City, a Royal Court statement said.

Royal Medical Services Director General Maj. Gen. Muin Habashneh briefed King Abdullah on the condition of the injured and the medical services they are receiving. 

His Majesty was accompanied by Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh and King’s Adviser for Military Affairs and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs-of-Staff Gen. Mashal Al Zaben.

King Abdullah sent a cable to US President Barack Obama expressing his condolences over the deaths of the US citizens. 

His Majesty also sent a cable to President of the Republic of South Africa Jacob Zuma, offering him condolences over the death of the South African contractor in the same incident. 

In both cables, King Abdullah condemned the shooting, stressing that the government is investigating the incident, according to a Royal Court statement.

The US embassy in Amman confirmed that two US trainers were killed and two wounded in the shooting, which took place at the Jordan International Police Training Centre. 

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families of all of the victims. The investigation is on-going and it is premature to speculate on motive at this point,” the embassy said in a statement. 

“We are working closely with the government of Jordan and local security services on a full and comprehensive investigation. We strongly condemn this incident and we deeply appreciate the cooperation and support received from our Jordanian partners,” it added.