Man In Singapore Stabs Pastor During Mass, Motives For Non-Religious Attacks

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JAKARTA - A Singaporean man was charged with stabbing a Catholic priest who was leading a weekend Mass service, according to court documents. Authorities said there was no evidence the attack was religious or acts of terror.

Basnayake Keith Spencer (37) used a folding knife to stab the mouth of parish priest Christopher Lee Kwong Heng (57) at Saturday night Mass at St Joseph Church in Bukit Timah district, according to the indictment.

Spencer was stripped of his gun and detained by members of the congregation until police officers arrived. Among the other four weapons he owns are a folding knife and a hammer, authorities said.

"Currently there is no evidence to suggest that the attack was a religious or terrorist attack," the Interior Ministry said.

Spencer was charged with serious injuries using weapons that could most likely lead to death, with a life sentence or 15 years in prison, as well as caning and fines.

The motive for the attack is not clear. The ministry said he had a history of violations that caused serious injuries and drug use.

The priest who was the victim of the attack suffered injuries to his tongue, upper lip, and corner of his mouth, is now recovering at the hospital.

The wealthy city nation in Southeast Asia, which has a population of 6 million people, is known for its safety, but crime has increased 4.1 percent to 10,106 in the first half of 2024 compared to the previous year, according to police data.