Singaporean Man Charged With Stabbing Priest During Mass

A Singaporean man, Basnayake Keith Spencer, appeared in court on Monday charged with stabbing a Catholic priest during a weekend Mass, though authorities confirmed there was no evidence to suggest a religious or terrorist motive behind the attack.

Singapore, known for its safety, has experienced a recent rise in crime, with a 4.1% increase to over 10,000 incidents in the first half of 2024, according to police data.

The 37-year-old is accused of attacking 57-year-old parish priest Christopher Lee Kwong Heng with a foldable knife during Saturday evening Mass at St Joseph’s Church in Bukit Timah. Congregants quickly disarmed Spencer, who was reportedly carrying other weapons, including a penknife and mallet, and detained him until police arrived.

The Singaporean Ministry of Home Affairs stated, “There is currently no evidence to suggest that it was a religiously motivated attack or an act of terror.” Spencer has been charged with voluntarily causing grievous hurt with a weapon likely to cause death, a charge that carries a potential life sentence, up to 15 years’ imprisonment, caning, and a fine. The motive remains unclear, though Spencer reportedly has a history of drug use and violent offenses.

The priest, who sustained injuries to his mouth, is recovering in the hospital. Religious leaders across Singapore, praised for its religious diversity by Pew Research, condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the Catholic community, which represents around 7% of Singapore’s citizens and permanent residents. Archbishop William Goh called the incident a reminder for religious organisations to remain vigilant against suspicious activities.

Police have since increased patrols at places of worship, underscoring the importance of safety amid rising tensions. In a separate incident last Friday, a man assaulted an officer with an improvised flamethrower at a park and was later charged with attempted murder after being subdued by police. These incidents highlight a challenging time for Singapore, as the authorities work to balance security with its hallmark public safety.

Melissa Enoch

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