SINGAPORE: Basnayake Keith Spencer, 37, has been identified as the attacker who used a foldable knife to stab a priest at St. Joseph’s Church in Upper Bukit Timah on Saturday, Nov. 9.
The Straits Times revealed the identify, quoting parishioners who stated that although the man had been spotted in the church before, he was not a frequent visitor.
On Saturday night, the police said that the assailant had a history of significant injury and drug abuse. In September 2019, Basnayake was earlier found guilty of intentionally causing harm and sentenced to a year in prison.
The attack occurred during communion at the parish’s monthly children’s mass, where youngsters carry out tasks that adults often perform.
Congregation members, including the Archdiocesan Emergency Response team, assisted in bringing down the attacker, who was subsequently taken into custody by law enforcement.
According to the police, the perpetrator is thought to have acted alone based on the initial findings. Additionally, they do not currently suspect this to be a terrorist attack.
“The public is urged to remain calm and refrain from speculation as investigations are ongoing to ascertain the motive behind this incident,” according to the police.
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