Father Claude Grou was stabbed and taken to hospital.
Police are saying an arrest has been made following the stabbing of Father Claude Grou, the rector of Saint Joseph’s Oratory.
Father Grou was stabbed during morning mass, when a man approached the altar and pulled out a knife and ran up to the priest.
While Grou ran from the attack, the man pushed him onto the ground and stabbed him, before dropping the knife.
The Saint Joseph’s Oratory congregation then subdued the attacker, while helping Grou.
Grou was taken to hospital with minor injuries, and authorities say he is out of danger and is stable.
A photo of the arrested man is below. Police have not yet released his name.
Police arrested this man at oratory following stabbing of a priest this morning @CTVMontreal pic.twitter.com/H8hr6vPr5c
— Rob Lurie (@RLurieCTV) March 22, 2019
According to journalist Jay Turnbull, “Police say the suspect is a 26-year-old man with a criminal record. They would not specify what his past crimes were. They will question him this afternoon and are already speaking with witnesses. Close to 50 people were inside at the time of the attack.”
Police say the suspect is a 26-year-old man with a criminal record. They would not specify what his past crimes were. They will question him this afternoon and are already speaking with witnesses. Close to 50 people were inside at the time of the attack.
— Jay Turnbull (@TurnbullJay) March 22, 2019
Here’s how the Church is described on their website:
“The largest shrine dedicated to Saint Joseph in the world, Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal receives each year some two million pilgrims and visitors from around the world. Welcoming is at the heart of its mission. Listening services, celebrations and sacraments, pilgrimages and tours: everyone finds a space for reflection and an unconditional welcome.”
Spencer Fernando
Photo – Twitter
