AMMAN — The Public Security Directorate (PSD) on Thursday urged the public to report any festive firing incident via social media outlets.

 

The PSD designated a WhatsApp number (0797911911) for the public to report by photos or video clip any incident related to festive firing, Police Spokesperson Lt. Col. Amer Sartawi said.

 

“We also urge the public to report any incidents of people sitting on car windows to celebrate any occasion,” Sartawi told The Jordan Times.

 

The police official stressed that all “reported incidents will be dealt with in utmost secrecy”.

 

Last year, the PSD launched a nationwide awareness campaign to combat festive firing in the Kingdom.

 

Under the theme “Do not Kill me with your Celebrations”, PSD officials pledged to follow up on any festive firing complaint seriously.

 

The PSD warned that the firing of live ammunition will not be tolerated or accepted, adding that used weapons will be seized.

 

The police official stressed that the ultimate goal is "to ensure the safety and security of our society and to avert any deaths that could result from festive firing.

 

PSD officials had said that if a festive shooting incident resulted in the death of an individual, then the prison term for this offence could reach 12 years.

 

The PSD has pledged in the past to arrest any individual who violates the law by firing live ammunition during weddings, graduation and other celebratory occasions.

 

Nearly 50 per cent of reported incidents involving live ammunition result in the deaths or injuries of innocent victims, PSD officials stated in August of 2024.

 

According to the Criminal Information Department (CID) 2023 report, there were 1,998 reported gunfire incidents in the Kingdom, including 69 cases where the perpetrators were allegedly minors.

 

The CID report stated that 79 cases were registered as causing a threat to public safety. The report did not list the number of fatalities and injuries.