Irish authorities investigate knife attack on Catholic chaplain as possible terrorist attack

CNA staff, August 16, 2024 / 2:50 p.m.

According to media reports on Friday, military authorities in Ireland are investigating the knife attack on a Catholic chaplain as a possible terrorist attack.

Father Paul Murphy was reportedly stabbed multiple times outside the Renmore Army Barracks in the coastal city of Galway on Thursday.

The 50-year-old priest suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries in the attack and was taken to nearby Galway University Hospital for treatment.

A 16-year-old was reportedly arrested in connection with the attack.

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said on X on Friday that he had been “informed of the shocking incident outside Renmore Barracks last night and my thoughts are with the member of the defence force in hospital.”

“I would like to thank Defence Forces personnel and Gardai for their actions and response,” the Prime Minister said.

Meanwhile, the Irish Independent reported that the incident was being investigated as a possible terrorist attack.

Irish police are “trying to determine whether there is a terrorist connection” to the attack, the news agency reported on Friday.

Police “are currently investigating whether the teenager may have made comments about Ireland's military involvement in the Middle East at the scene of the stabbing before being taken away by officers,” the Independent reported.

Bishop Michael Duignan of Galway said in a statement on Friday that the news was “deeply shocking and disturbing”.

“I pray for the injured man and ask God for his full recovery,” the bishop said. “I also pray for his family, for his army colleagues and for the medical personnel who are currently caring for his injuries.”

Meanwhile, Murphy thanked his supporters on Facebook on Friday “for your prayers, your love and your concern.”

“I'm sorry I can't answer all the messages and take all the calls,” the priest wrote. “I'm fine, I'm just waiting for the operation.”

“Everything will be fine,” he added.

This is an evolving story.

(The story continues below)

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