Man tries to stab priest during mass
A middle-aged man assaulted a priest who was distributing communion during mass in the Cathedral of Santiago. He tried to stab him in the neck with a sharp object and punched him with a fist.
When attacking, he also shouted against the Church and specifically the Episcopal Conference, as indicated by sources from the Chapter. According to media reports, the man shouted: "I wanted to kill the bishop but I'm going to kill this son of a b**ch".
He used a mechanical pencil as a weapon. He was detained by the private security service until the police arrived and arrested him. Fortunately, the priest did not suffer serious injuries. It was reported that he filed a complaint at the police station. After the incident he continued with his usual duties.
Update: According to IFN, The Spanish Foundation of Christian Lawyers has filed a complaint, accusing the assailant of the crimes of interruption of worship (Article 523 of the Penal Code), profanation (Article 524 of the Penal Code) and injury (Article 147.1 of the Penal Code), with the aggravating circumstance of discrimination (Article 22.4 of the Penal Code). In November 2023, the Court of Instruction No. 3 of Santiago de Compostela has opened the proceedings against the perpetrator.
Sources: Gaceta, elcorreogallego.es, IFN, avozdegalicia.es
Symbolic Image: Pixabay