The Tunisian Ministry of Interior reported a deadly incident that occurred on Tuesday near the Ghriba synagogue on the island of Djerba. Officials described a multilevel confrontation that resulted in the deaths of two visitors to the temple and two security guards who were stationed at the site. The event unfolded in a way that shocked the local community and prompted rapid security measures around the historic temple precinct. According to the ministry, the violence began with a member of the National Guard in the port area of Djerba who, after an exchange that appeared to escalate quickly, took his own life using a service weapon. Investigators indicate that this guard then moved toward the Ghriba synagogue and opened fire on the security personnel positioned there, as well as on visitors who were within immediate proximity to the entrance. Among those killed were two ordinary worshippers who had arrived to pay their respects, and two guards who were performing their duties. The ministry confirmed that at least nine people sustained injuries of varying severity and were transported to medical facilities for treatment. The broader context of the attack remained under investigation as authorities sought to determine the motives behind the shooting and whether any other individuals played a role in the assault. The scene around the synagogue was subsequently secured by police forces, who worked to establish a safe perimeter and to preserve evidence, while unharmed believers inside the compound were accounted for and assisted. This incident prompted an immediate response from emergency services and heightened security considerations for religious sites across the region, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance and rapid coordination between law enforcement and community leaders. The unfolding events have drawn attention to the safety protocols surrounding places of worship and have spurred calls for a thorough review of security measures and mental health resources in the wake of such tragedies. Authorities continued to gather testimonies from witnesses and examine CCTV footage to piece together the sequence of events, with ongoing efforts to provide clarity to families affected by the losses and to share publicly releasable information as the investigation progressed. This report is based on official statements from the Tunisian Ministry of Interior and subsequent briefings by regional police units and health authorities, reflecting the information available at the time and subject to updates as investigations advance.1
