Jordanian MP opens fire in parliament

11/09/2013| IslamWeb

A Jordanian member of parliament has opened fire inside the parliament building in Amman, releasing at least three shot from his automatic weapon.

There were no injuries reported in the incident in which MP Talal Al Sharif allegedly fired his weapon at the ceiling and a wall just outside the main hall of parliament after a political dispute over a budget matter.

Several MPs confirmed to Al Jazeera that Al Sharif ran down to his car after the dispute to get his fire arm.

Right before he entered the main hall of parliament, MP Mariam Al Lozi tried to stop him from using his weapon by directing it at the ceiling. Al Sharif pulled the trigger and fired at least three bullets at the ceiling and a wall.

The incident happened during a closed session of parliament, which was surrounded by riot police shortly after the shooting.

Many MPs called for Al Sharif's expulsion from parliament after the incident, but since parliament was in extraordinary session it was not allowed to discuss or vote on his suspension.

Several MPs told Al Jazeera they were awaiting a royal decree by King Abdullah to allow MPs to discuss this issue.

PHOTO CAPTION

The Parliament building in Abdali, Amman

Aljazeera