A 31-year-old man was arrested after a knife attack at the 17th-century Jaroslaw Abbey in southeastern Poland left one person dead and four injured. Polish media have identified the deceased as a priest, though police have not officially confirmed the victim's identity. The suspect reportedly entered Poland from Germany, grabbed a kitchen knife in the monastery and attacked clergy and worshippers. Authorities are investigating motive and will assess the suspect's condition while political leaders called for full legal accountability.
Knife Attack at Historic Jaroslaw Abbey: One Dead, Four Wounded — Ukrainian National Arrested
Poland said a Ukrainian man went on a stabbing spree, killing one person, in an abbey in the country's south-east (Handout)
A 31-year-old man was arrested on Thursday after a knife attack at the 17th-century Benedictine abbey in Jaroslaw, southeastern Poland, left one person dead and four others wounded, authorities said.
The incident took place on the grounds of the abbey, about 30 kilometres (19 miles) from the border with Ukraine. Police in the Podkarpackie region said the suspect entered Poland from Germany overnight and had been travelling toward a nearby border crossing. Prosecutors said he instead went to the monastery, seized a kitchen knife and began attacking clergy and worshippers.
Officials said the assailant struck four men and one woman. Polish media have identified the fatality as a priest, but police confirmed only that one person died and have not publicly verified the victim's identity.
Witness accounts
Witnesses quoted by Polish television described a chaotic scene during morning activities at the abbey. One woman who said she had come for mass told TVN that a man of about 30 struck a priest in the neck artery and that the priest fell to the ground. Another witness said a priest was attacked inside a confessional. A nun quoted by TVN said the clergy were struggling to comprehend what had happened and called the abbey a place she had always believed to be safe.
Reactions and investigation
Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the 'murderer' will be punished 'with the full severity of Polish law.' Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the attack 'evil' and 'horrific,' saying the perpetrator must bear full responsibility under the law.
Prosecutor Bozena Harasz-Woloszyn told Polish media that investigators so far have no confirmed motive. Doctors will assess the suspect's physical and mental condition and determine whether alcohol or other substances were involved. The attacker remains in custody as enquiries continue.
The local Gazeta Jaroslawska published photos showing fire engines and police vehicles outside the monastery and the entrance cordoned off. Authorities said all the wounded were taken to hospital; some sustained serious injuries.
Context
Stabbings, particularly at religious sites, are extremely rare in Poland, one of Europe's most Catholic countries. The incident comes amid social tensions over the presence of hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians who have sought refuge in Poland since Russia's invasion. Polish officials have also warned of rising sabotage threats they attribute to Russian activity, as Poland remains a major transit hub for Western military and humanitarian aid to Kyiv.
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