Authorities emphasize public vigilance and readiness to respond to emergencies.
Following the stabbing of a Catholic priest at St Joseph’s Church in Upper Bukit Timah on November 9, Singapore police have increased patrols at places of worship across the country. This measure aims to reassure the public, despite no evidence suggesting the attack was religiously motivated or an act of terrorism, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Incident Details and Immediate Response
The 37-year-old assailant, identified as Basnayake Keith Spencer, attacked Reverend Christopher Lee while the priest was conducting evening mass. Fortunately, members of the congregation intervened quickly, disarming the attacker and administering first aid to the priest before emergency services arrived. Police were on the scene within 10 minutes, and the assailant was arrested.
Authorities praised the swift actions of the church members, noting the importance of being prepared for emergencies. The MHA also emphasized that skills like first aid and CPR are essential for enhancing community resilience in critical situations.
Support and Security Measures
In the wake of the attack, MHA has offered support to St Joseph’s Church, including psychological assistance for those affected, particularly children who witnessed the incident. The Catholic Church in Singapore has also pledged to review its security protocols, balancing the need for safety with the openness of churches as public spaces.
Archbishop William Goh acknowledged the need for vigilance while also cautioning against excessive security measures that might hinder the faithful from attending services. He highlighted that the church had already taken steps since 2016 to improve security, including the formation of the Archdiocesan Emergency Response Operations Council.
Unity Among Religious Communities
Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam expressed encouragement over the outpouring of support from various religious groups in Singapore, emphasizing the country’s strength in religious harmony. Minister for Culture, Community, and Youth, Edwin Tong, also praised the calm response of different faith communities, underscoring the importance of unity in times of crisis.
