A suicide attempt at Masjid al-Haram in Makkah was thwarted after Saudi security personnel acted swiftly to prevent a man from jumping from the upper levels of Islam’s holiest mosque, authorities confirmed on Thursday.
According to official statements, the man moved towards the edge of an upper floor of the Grand Mosque when security officers rushed in and restrained him. During the rescue operation, one officer suffered fractures while breaking the man’s fall, preventing a fatal outcome.
The Emirate of the Makkah Region said the Special Force for the Security of the Grand Mosque immediately intervened after the suicide attempt was detected. Both the individual involved and the injured officer were promptly taken to hospital for medical treatment. Authorities said all necessary legal procedures were completed following the incident.
The Saudi Ministry of Interior praised the quick response of the security forces, noting that their intervention ensured the safety of pilgrims present at the mosque at the time.
Following the incident, Abdur Rahman As Sudais, Chief Imam of the Grand Mosque, addressed worshippers and urged them to uphold the sanctity of the holy site. He reminded pilgrims that preservation of life is a fundamental principle of Islamic law, citing Quranic teachings that prohibit self-harm.
A similar incident had occurred in 2017, when a man died by suicide near the Kaaba after jumping from the third floor during peak pilgrimage hours, underscoring the challenges faced by security personnel in safeguarding the site amid large gatherings.
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