Saudi Arabia: Man jumps off Grand Mosque in Makkah in apparent suicide attempt

A man was injured after jumping from the upper levels of the Grand Mosque in Makkah on Thursday, December 25, prompting an immediate response from security personnel stationed at the holy site, Saudi authorities said.


According to statements issued by the Special Force for the Security of the Grand Mosque, officers intervened after the individual moved toward the edge of the upper floors of Masjid al-Haram. During the intervention, a security officer was injured while attempting to prevent the man from hitting the ground as he fell. Authorities confirmed that both the man and the injured officer were transferred to hospital to receive the necessary medical care.


In a post on X, the Emirate of the Makkah Region said the Special Force for the Security of the Grand Mosque “immediately initiated action” after the man attempted to jump from an upper floor. The statement added that the officer’s injury was limited to fractures and that required legal procedures were completed in accordance with applicable regulations.


The Haram Security Forces separately confirmed the incident, stating: “There was an incident of a person attempting to take his own life from the upper floors of the Grand Mosque. A security officer was injured while trying to prevent him from hitting the ground at the moment of his fall. Both individuals were immediately transferred to receive the necessary medical care, and the required official procedures were completed.”



The Saudi Ministry of Interior said the Special Force responded quickly and professionally to contain the situation and ensure the safety of worshippers nearby. Footage circulating online showed the man approaching the edge of the upper level before security officers rushed to restrain him safely. The video was also shared by the Saudi General Directorate of Public Security, which said security forces acted promptly to control the situation effectively.


According to Khaleej Times, the Chief Imam of the Grand Mosque, Abdur Rahman As Sudais, later addressed the incident and urged pilgrims to respect the sanctity of the holy site, adhere to regulations, and devote themselves to worship. He emphasised that the preservation of life is a core objective of Islamic law, citing the Quranic verse: “And do not throw yourselves into destruction with your own hands.”

Makkah Region authorities said officially proceedings were initiated immediately following the incident and confirmed that no further details regarding the man’s identity or condition would be released. The Grand Mosque remains under round-the-clock ongoing security monitoring, with highly specialised units trained to respond to emergencies and manage public safety effectively at one of Islam’s holiest sites globally.

Similar incidents have been reported in previous years tragically. In 2017, a man died after jumping from an upper level near the Kaaba while thousands of pilgrims were performing tawaf there. Separate incidents were also reported in 2018 involving individuals who jumped from elevated areas, and another fall from the upper floors was recorded in 2024 later officially.