Ukrainian knifeman kills one, wounds four at abbey in Poland | Crime News
Ukrainian National Attacks Clergy and Worshippers at Polish Monastery; One Dead, Four Injured
A stabbing incident at a Catholic monastery in Jaroslaw, Poland, left one person dead and four others injured Thursday morning. The suspect, a 31-year-old Ukrainian national, reportedly launched the attack at the historic Benedictine abbey, located approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the Ukrainian border.
Authorities stated that the attacker, who had entered Poland from Germany earlier that day, seized a knife from the abbey’s kitchen and assaulted five individuals—four men and one woman—including a priest during a confessional.
“Three of the victims are clergy members and two are laypeople; one person has died,” said prosecutor Bozena Harasz-Wołoszyn. Two of the injured victims are in critical condition. Polish media later identified the deceased as a priest, though police have not officially confirmed his identity.
Prosecutors indicated that the assailant intended to cross back into Ukraine but instead approached the abbey. The motive for the attack remains unclear, and officials are conducting a medical assessment to determine if the suspect was alcohol-impaired.
In response to the attack, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk condemned the violence, vowing that the perpetrator would be “punished with the full severity of Polish law.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy referred to the assault as a “horrific crime,” asserting that the responsible individual must face full legal accountability.
“The perpetrator of this evil must bear full responsibility in accordance with the law. We are shaken by this evil. Justice must be done,” Zelenskyy said.
The mayor of Jaroslaw, Marcin Nazarewicz, announced a period of mourning for the victims that will last until the end of the week. Such violent incidents, especially at religious sites, are notably rare in Poland, recognized as one of Europe’s most Catholic nations.
