Catholic priest stabbed during mass in Singapore church, cops rule out terrorism

Catholic priest stabbed during mass in Singapore church, cops rule out terrorism



The attacker, a 37-year-old member of the local Sinhalese community, had previously declared himself as a Christian. — Picture from Facebook/St Joseph's Church

Sunday, 10 Nov 2024 8:36 AM MYT


SINGAPORE, Nov 10 — A Roman Catholic priest was stabbed while saying mass inside a church in Singapore yesterday, police said, but added they did not think it was an act of terrorism.

The priest was sent to hospital, but was in a “stable condition”, while his Singaporean attacker was arrested, police said in a statement posted on Facebook.


Singapore is one of Asia’s safest cities and violent crimes such as stabbings or shootings are extremely rare.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that a 57-year-old man, who is a priest at the church, was stabbed during mass,” police said.


The attacker was “disarmed by members of the congregation and subsequently arrested by police officers,” the statement said.



“Based on the preliminary investigations, the man is believed to have acted alone and the police do not suspect that this is an act of terrorism, for now.”

The attacker, a 37-year-old member of the local Sinhalese community, had previously declared himself as a Christian, it added.

“Such violence, of any form and for any reason, has absolutely no place in Singapore, let alone at a place of worship,” Edwin Tong, the Second Minister for Law, said on Facebook. — AFP

~~~

‘Uphold sanctity of places of worship’: Singapore PM Wong calls for calm after Catholic priest stabbed in church



Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong says violence has no place in the country. — TODAY pic

Sunday, 10 Nov 2024 8:42 AM MYT


SINGAPORE, Nov 10 — Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has called on the public to remain calm and united following a knife attack on a priest at St Joseph’s Church in Bukit Timah yesterday.

Stating that violence has no place in the country, he urged everyone to support one another in the spirit of harmony and resilience.


“Very shocked and saddened to hear that a priest, Father Christopher Lee, was stabbed at St Joseph’s Church during mass. We pray for his full and speedy recovery.

“Most of all, we must uphold the safety and sanctity of our places of worship — places where people seek peace, solace and community,” he posted on social media.


Wong, who is also finance minister, said it was fortunate that several members of the congregation helped disarm the assailant before the suspect could cause more harm.


“Many parishioners were badly shaken by what happened, and I hope that they heal from this traumatic event,” he added.

In the incident, Lee, a parish priest at St Joseph’s Church, was attacked by a knife-wielding man while celebrating the 5.30 pm mass.

The suspect, a 37-year-old Singaporean Sinhalese man with a history of serious hurt and drug-related offences, was disarmed by members of the congregation and subsequently arrested by police officers.

Based on preliminary investigations, police believe the suspect acted alone and that the attack is not an act of terrorism.

Lee is receiving treatment at the National University Hospital and is in stable condition. — Bernama