A 37-year-old man has been arrested after he allegedly stabbed a priest at St. Joseph’s Church in Upper Bukit Timah during a children’s mass on Saturday, November 9.
The assailant, identified as Basnayake Keith Spencer, has previous convictions for serious offenses, including voluntarily causing hurt and drug-related charges.
According to reports from The Straits Times, parishioners recognized Spencer as someone who had attended the church before, though he was not a regular attendee.
Details of the incident indicate that the attack occurred during communion when Father Christopher Lee, the parish priest, was officiating the service.
Witnesses reported that members of the congregation, alongside the Archdiocesan Emergency Response team, intervened to subdue Spencer before he was taken into custody by the police.
The Ministry of Home Affairs later confirmed that Spencer is a Singaporean of Sinhalese descent who had previously declared his Christian faith to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA).
Police investigations suggest that Spencer acted alone, and authorities do not currently believe the incident to be an act of terrorism.
They have urged the public to remain calm and to refrain from speculating while investigations continue to determine the motive behind the attack.
In addition to the foldable knife used in the stabbing, police discovered four other weapons in Spencer’s possession. He is set to be charged in court on Monday with voluntarily causing grievous hurt with a dangerous weapon.
If convicted, he faces a potential prison sentence of up to 15 years, along with a fine or caning.
Prime minister Lawrence wong responded to the stabbing incident here’s what he said.
PM WONG STATMENT :
Very shocked and saddened to hear that a priest, Father Christopher Lee, was stabbed at St Joseph’s Church during mass. The assailant has been apprehended.
The priest is in the hospital and in stable condition.
We pray for a full and speedy recovery.
Violence has no place in Singapore. Most of all, we must uphold the safety and sanctity of our places of worship – places where people seek peace, solace, and community.
In this case, it was fortunate that several members of the congregation helped to disarm the assailant before he could do more harm.
Many parishioners were badly shaken by what happened, and I hope they heal from this traumatic event.
The authorities are investigating this incident.
For now, the police assessment is that he acted alone and that this is not an act of terrorism. Let us stay calm and united, supporting each other in the spirit of harmony and resilience that defines us as Singaporeans.
As part of the legal process, the police will also seek a court order to remand Spencer at the Institute of Mental Health for psychiatric evaluation.
Father Christopher Lee was conscious and in stable condition when he was transported to the hospital. He underwent surgery to address his wounds and is currently recovering.
The Archbishop’s Communications Office released a statement expressing gratitude for Father Lee’s recovering status and requesting that visitors refrain from coming to the hospital to allow him time to rest.
The office encouraged the community to pray for the priest’s swift recovery.
According to the latest update, Fr Christopher Lee is currently in stable condition and recovering in the hospital following a successful surgery to close his wounds. Hospital officials report that he remains under observation as doctors monitor his recovery.
STATEMENT FROM CHURCH :
Date: 10 Nov 2024
Fr Christopher Lee is currently in stable condition and recovering in the hospital following a successful surgery to close his wounds. Hospital officials report that he remains under observation as doctors monitor his recovery.
Out of respect for Fr Lee’s need for rest, visitors to the hospital are not encouraged at this time. The community is urged to pray for his speedy recovery.
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