Singapore Church Stabbing: Priest Injured, Suspect Arrested

Incident Occurred During Mass at Saint Joseph’s Church

A Roman Catholic priest was stabbed while saying mass inside a church in Singapore on Saturday, police said. The priest, identified as 57-year-old Christopher Lee, was sent to hospital and is reported to be in a stable condition. The attacker, a 37-year-old Singaporean man, was arrested by police officers shortly after the incident.

Police Statement Released

The police statement, posted on Facebook, revealed that the priest was stabbed during mass and that the attacker was disarmed by members of the congregation before being taken into custody. The statement also added that based on preliminary investigations, the suspect acted alone and there is no indication that the attack was an act of terrorism.

Safety of Places of Worship a Priority

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong condemned the attack, stating that “violence has no place in Singapore.” He emphasized the importance of upholding the safety and sanctity of places of worship, where people seek peace, solace, and community.

The suspect, a member of the local Sinhalese community, had previously declared himself as a Christian. It is unclear what motivated the attack, and the investigation is ongoing.

Saint Joseph’s Church, where the incident occurred, has announced that masses will proceed as normal on Sunday. The church’s statement did not provide further details on the incident, but expressed gratitude for the support of the community and the swift response of the police.

Singapore is known for its low crime rate, with violent crimes such as stabbings or shootings extremely rare. The incident has shocked the community and sparked concern about the safety of places of worship.

The stabbing of a priest during mass at a Singaporean church has left the community reeling. While the motive behind the attack is unclear, authorities have assured that they do not suspect it to be an act of terrorism. As the investigation continues, the focus will remain on upholding the safety and sanctity of places of worship, where people gather to seek peace and solace.

Q: Who is the priest who was stabbed?
A: The priest is 57-year-old Christopher Lee.

Q: What is the condition of the priest?
A: The priest is reported to be in a stable condition after being sent to hospital.

Q: Who is the suspect?
A: The suspect is a 37-year-old Singaporean man, a member of the local Sinhalese community.

Q: Did the police suspect the attack to be an act of terrorism?
A: Based on preliminary investigations, the police do not suspect the attack to be an act of terrorism.