The shootout, that sent shock waves throughout the local community, took place outside the Prince Sultan Mosque. The mosque shooting — the first criminal act of its kind to take place during the holy month of Ramadan in the capital — happened after taraweeh prayers.
According to reports, the imam and the muezzin of the mosque were also injured. It was claimed that both were released after they received medical treatment at a clinic, while the third person was hospitalized.
A spokesman from Riyadh Police said two people waiting outside the mosque fired on another person coming out after prayers. “According to preliminary investigations, it seems to be the case of a personal dispute between the man and the shooters,” said the spokesman. He reiterated that only one man was injured in the shooting.
“The case is in under investigation,” said the spokesman, confirming that the incident took place outside Prince Sultan Mosque in Riyadh. He also clarified that it was not a terrorist act.
The spokesman said the shooters fled the scene in a Camry, leaving worshippers terrified. It is not clear whether any arrests have been made.
Riyadh is home to about five million people and has been relatively crime-free for the last several years.
There have been regular reports of thefts, snatchings and fraud, but no major acts of organized crime or terrorism have been reported in the capital city over the past five years.
