By Nur Ashikin Abdul Aziz
SINGAPORE, Nov 9 (Bernama) -- A priest was injured in a knife attack during mass at St Joseph’s Church in Bukit Timah on Saturday evening.
Singapore’s Minister for Home Affairs and Law, K. Shanmugam, said the priest has been sent to the hospital and is in a stable condition.
The minister said the attacker, a 37-year-old Singaporean Sinhalese, has been arrested by the police.
He added that the attacker had previously declared his religion as Christian to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
“Investigations are ongoing,” he posted on Facebook.
Meanwhile, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore identified the victim as Christopher Lee, a parish priest of St Joseph Church.
In a statement issued by the Archbishop’s Communications Office, the Church said Lee was attacked by a knife-wielding man while celebrating the 5.30 pm mass.
The Church said Lee was sent to the National University Hospital by Singapore Civil Defence Force paramedics and is currently receiving treatment.
The Church urged the community to remain calm and avoid speculation on social media while the police conduct their investigations.
“The Church does not condone violence of any kind. We ask for prayers for the speedy recovery of Father Lee, for the assailant, and for all those present at mass, especially the children who may have been affected by the incident,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, the Singapore Police Force said they received a call for assistance at around 6.30 pm.
The attacker, who has a history of serious hurt and drug-related offences, was disarmed by members of the congregation and subsequently arrested by police officers.
The police said based on the preliminary investigations, the man is believed to have acted alone.
“Police do not suspect that this is an act of terrorism, for now,” the police said in a statement.
The public is urged to remain calm and refrain from speculation as investigations continue to ascertain the motive behind the incident.
-- BERNAMA
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