Ukrainian Citizen Detained After Knife Attack at Jarosław Monastery

The attack occurred around 9:30 a.m. on Thursday at the Benedictine abbey in Jarosław, located in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship. A man armed with a knife attacked people on the monastery grounds, targeting both clergy and laypeople who were present for Mass.

Casualties and Conflicting Death Tolls

Reports on the number of fatalities vary across sources. Local authorities and the district prosecutor’s office in Przemyśl have confirmed one death.

At least five people were wounded in the assault. The victims included four men—three or four of whom were priests—and one woman. While the identity of the woman remains unconfirmed, officials have not yet determined if she is a member of the Benedictine order. Those injured were transported to the hospital, with some reported to be in critical condition.

Details of the Attack in Jarosław

Witnesses described a chaotic scene where the assailant, dressed in a T-shirt and shorts despite the cold weather, entered the complex. According to a report by 9Tv, the man entered the abbey through gates that had been left open following a visit by a group of young people. He then proceeded to a cafe or dining area within the monastery, where he began attacking people indiscriminately.

Monastery officials noted that a priest named Father Stanisław was stabbed in the back while attempting to close a door to protect parishioners.

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Investigation and Suspect Detention

Police arrested the 31-year-old Ukrainian national at the scene and seized the weapon, which preliminary reports describe as a kitchen knife, though some witnesses suggested it may have been a machete. Authorities have taken blood samples from the suspect to determine if he was under the influence of alcohol or narcotics at the time of the crime.

The investigation is ongoing, with prosecutors from Jarosław and Przemyśl overseeing the scene. Due to the large size of the monastery complex, officials warned that evidence collection and witness interviews could take several hours. The motive for the attack remains unknown.

Official Reactions and Clarifications

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed shock over the event, calling it an act of evil.

Shocked by this evil. As of now, it is known that a priest died and several other people were wounded. We express our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased. We wish all the victims a speedy recovery. The person guilty of this evil must bear full responsibility according to the law. We count on a quick and thorough investigation of all circumstances. It is painful that people are capable of such terrible crimes. Justice must prevail.

There was initial confusion regarding the exact location of the attack. While some reports cited a convent for sisters, the monastery’s superior clarified that the attack occurred in a neighboring monastery where brothers serve. She confirmed that children attending a kindergarten on the abbey’s grounds were not harmed.