Police shot a sword-wielding man who attacked a Catholic church, injuring four, including a priest and a policeman, during a mass in Sleman, Yogyakarta, Indonesia on Sunday, February 11.
The man, identified as Suliyono, entered St. Lidwina’s Church around 7:30 a.m. and flailed the sword at members of the congregation.
He then attacked several of them, including the priest, who was standing at the altar.
before he was shot by police.
“Four people have been injured in the incident – quite seriously – but we still cannot determine the perpetrator’s motive,” said Yogyakarta police spokesman Yulianto.
Congregation member Andhi Cahyo said a few minutes after the mass started, a congregation member barged into the church with a bleeding head. A young man holding a sharp weapon was chasing him.
“Everybody started panicking and screaming, I was scrambling to save my wife and children,” Cahyo told AFP.
People in the church ran out through another door and the assailant pursued them while also destroying church property.
Police arrived on the scene shortly after the attack and fired a warning shot into the air to subdue the perpetrator, who refused to surrender.
“After the warning shot was fired, the attacker charged towards the officer with his sword. The officer then shot him below his stomach, but he managed to injure the cop before being subdued,” Cahyo said.
All victims have been taken to Panti Rapih hospital for treatment.
Police are investigating the man’s motives, while he is recovering at a hospital.
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