FRANCE: New church attack, priest of Greek Orthodox Church in Lyon shot

LYON, France – In a second attack on a church within one week, the parish priest of the Greek Orthodox Church in the 7th district of Lyon was shot. The shooting happened this late afternoon when the parish priest (52) was closing the church. Authorities stated that the priest was seriously injured in the attack and his life was in danger.

He was shot by the attacker with a hunting rifle after which the attacker escaped. French media report the arrest of a suspect but it is unknown whether the detainee is the attacker.

In recent weeks, France has been startled by attacks. On October 16, teacher Samuel Paty was beheaded by a Muslim extremist.

Earlier this week, a Muslim extremist killed three people in a church in Nice. The 21 year-old perpetrator was shot by the police and in critical condition.

Un prêtre orthodoxe grièvement blessé par balle devant son église à Lyon, l’auteur en fuite https://t.co/hM8emyE3eA

— Tony Vergili (@TonyVergili) October 31, 2020