Man Burst into Church Yelling "Allah is Great"

Case information
Incident date
Country
Spain
Categories
  • Social Hostility / Intolerance
Attack Against
  • Faith
Perpetrator / Motive Indicators
  • Islamist
  • Private
Hate Crime & Violent Incidents
  • Insult or Incitement

A Muslim man shouting "Allah is great" disrupted a wedding in the Church of San Pablo in the city of Valladolid. He approached the altar with the apparent intention of overthrowing various liturgical objects and assaulting those present, including the priest.

According to witnesses, the man was "between 20 and 30 years of age, with dark features and a beard" and did not appear have a weapon. Some of the guests subdued the man as he tried to assault the priest who was officiating the ceremony.

The guests managed to take the man outside the church, where he was arrested. According to the National Police, the suspect is a 22-year-old Moroccan resident of Valladolid with a student permit. He was "accused of disturbing public order, threats, and a crime against religious feelings." According to police sources, the young man has a history of disorderly conduct.

Sources