Singapore: Police Step Up Patrols at Places of Worship After Priest Stabbing Incident
Singapore, Nov 10 (Bernama) – Singapore police have increased patrols at places of worship to provide reassurance to the public following the stabbing of a priest at St Joseph’s Church in Bukit Timah on Saturday, according to the Home Ministry (MHA).
Incident and Investigation
The suspect, a 37-year-old Singaporean man with a history of serious hurt and drug-related offences, attacked Father Christopher Lee, 57, a parish priest at St Joseph’s Church, while he was celebrating the 5.30 pm mass. The suspect was disarmed by two members of the congregation and subsequently arrested by police officers.
MHA said the suspect is believed to have acted alone, and there is currently no evidence to suggest that the attack was religiously motivated or an act of terrorism.
Police and Church Response
The police are in contact with St Joseph’s Church to offer support and resources, including professional psychological assistance for the congregants, including children who witnessed the attack.
The Archbishop of Singapore, Cardinal William Goh, in his pastoral letter on Sunday, said the Church will revisit the security protocols already in place in its parishes in response to the incident.
Security Measures
Goh emphasized the importance of being both mentally and operationally prepared as a community to prevent similar incidents and to mitigate the consequences when they occur.
He also noted that church members have been trained to be vigilant and are encouraged to report suspicious individuals and regularly collaborate with MHA and the Singapore Police Force on security matters.
Conclusion and FAQs
The suspect will be charged on Monday with voluntarily causing grievous hurt with a dangerous weapon, and the police will be seeking a court order for him to be remanded for psychiatric evaluation.
MHA urged the public to refrain from speculation while investigations are ongoing.
Q: What is the latest on the investigation into the stabbing incident at St Joseph’s Church?
A: The suspect is believed to have acted alone, and there is currently no evidence to suggest that the attack was religiously motivated or an act of terrorism.
Q: What measures are being taken by the police to ensure the safety of places of worship?
A: The police are increasing patrols at places of worship to provide reassurance to the public.
Q: How is the Church responding to the incident?
A: The Church will revisit the security protocols already in place in its parishes in response to the incident, and church members have been trained to be vigilant and are encouraged to report suspicious individuals and collaborate with MHA and the Singapore Police Force on security matters.