Man attacked priest with folding knife during communion; Police found five guns in his possession

SINGAPORE: A 37-year-old Singaporean Sinhalese man arrested for stabbing a priest at a church in Bukit Timah on Saturday (Nov 9) did so with a folding knife during Holy Communion, police said in the early hours of Sunday. (November 10).

Police said at a press conference that started at Jurong Police Division Headquarters at around 12.40am that the attacker had a total of five weapons in his hand.

Police added that the person will appear in court on November 11 on charges of intentionally causing serious injury with a dangerous weapon.

If convicted of the crime, in accordance with Article 326 of the Criminal Code No. 1871, life imprisonment or imprisonment for a period that may extend to 15 years is provided. The offender will also be liable to cane and/or fine.

Police will also seek to obtain a court order to send the person to the Institute of Mental Health for psychiatric evaluation.

The attacker had previously declared to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority that he was a Christian.

Police said there is currently no evidence to suggest this was a religiously motivated attack.

Police added that based on preliminary investigations, the man is believed to have acted alone and that they do not suspect it to be an act of terrorism at this time.

The man who attacked 57-year-old Reverend Christopher Lee has a criminal history, including causing serious injury and abusing drugs.

According to an eyewitness account, he committed this act between 18.15 and 18.20 during Holy Communion. The service started at 17.30.

The eyewitness said the attacker was sitting among the parishioners during the ceremony. After approaching the priest during communion, he stabbed the priest with what appeared to be a small knife. The children were there.

Police said they received a call for help around 6:30 p.m. They also said the perpetrator was disarmed by members of the congregation before he was arrested by police officers.

Father Lee was treated by paramedics and was conscious when taken to National University Hospital.

At around 23:00, the church posted on Facebook that the priest was conscious and in stable condition and called on the congregation to pray for him.

The church also said that services and events at the church will continue as usual on Sunday, November 10.

During the press conference, Jurong Police Division deputy commander Bertran Chia also praised two members of the public for their bravery in disarming and detaining the attacker.

The duo, Richard Tan Chai Boon and Damien Liew Khee Rui, were given the Spirit of the People Award for their bravery in disarming and detaining the man.

Speaking at the press conference, which ended at around 1.20am, Assistant Deputy Commissioner of Police (DAC) Chia said: “Singapore remains safe and SPF (Singapore Police Force) is committed to keeping it that way with the help of a vigilant and vigilant team.” united community as seen in this case.

DAC Chia stressed that although preliminary investigations showed that the suspect acted alone and police did not suspect it was an act of terrorism, the incident was a reminder that Singapore’s security should not be taken for granted.

“Police commend the brave actions of those who acted quickly to disarm and take the suspect into custody. “Their brave and selfless actions ensured that no further damage was done.”

“Police urge the public to remain calm and not speculate about the motivations behind the attack while investigations are ongoing. Police are committed to keeping Singapore safe and secure.”

Investigations into the incident continue. – Straits Times/ANN