Priest Stabbed at Church in Rare Attack in Singapore, Cops Say

Last Update:09 November 2024 22:52 IST

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

The priest was sent to hospital but his condition was stable, while the Singaporean attacker was arrested (Representative Image: AFP)

A Roman Catholic priest was stabbed while performing mass at a church in Singapore on Saturday, police said, adding that they did not believe it was an act of terrorism.

In a statement posted on Facebook, police said the priest was sent to hospital but his condition was “stable” and the Singaporean attacker was arrested.

Singapore is one of the safest cities in Asia, and violent crimes such as stabbings or shootings are extremely rare.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said he was “very shocked and saddened” by the incident and identified the priest as Christopher Lee.

“Violence has no place in Singapore,” he said on Facebook. “Most importantly, we must protect the safety and sanctity of our places of worship where people seek peace, solace and community.”

The police statement stated that the 57-year-old priest “was stabbed during the service” and that the attacker was “disarmed by members of the congregation and subsequently arrested by police officers.”

“Based on preliminary investigations, the man is believed to have acted alone and police do not suspect this to be an act of terrorism at this time,” the statement said. The statement was included.

It was stated that the suspect, a 37-year-old member of the local Sinhalese community, had previously declared himself a Christian.

The stabbing took place at Saint Joseph Church in an affluent suburb of the city.

The church said in a statement that masses on Sunday “will proceed as normal.”

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – AFP)