Priest stabbed during service at St Joseph’s Church in Upper Bukit Timah, attacker arrested

SINGAPORE: A priest at St Joseph’s Church in Upper Bukit Timah was stabbed by a knife-wielding man during mass on Saturday evening (Nov 9).

In the statement made by the Singapore Police Force, it was stated that the 37-year-old Singaporean attacker was disarmed by congregation members and later arrested by police officers.

“They have a history of serious injury and drug misuse,” police said.

“According to preliminary investigations, it is thought that the person acted alone and the police do not suspect that this was an act of terrorism at this time.

“While investigations continue to determine the cause behind this incident, we urge the public to remain calm and avoid speculation.”

According to Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam, the attacker was a Sinhalese who had previously declared himself a Christian to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).

The Catholic Church in Singapore said the victim was Father Christopher Lee. The 57-year-old man is the vicar of St Joseph’s Church, located between Cashew and Hillview MRT stations.

He is currently kept at the National University Hospital. Police said his condition was stable.