MHA, Cardinal Goh commend response to knife attack at St Joseph’s Church, highlight need for preparedness

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Singapore’s Catholic community leaders have highlighted the importance of community preparedness and resilience after the 9 November 2024 knife attack at St Joseph’s Church on Upper Bukit Timah Road.

The incident left 57-year-old Father Lee hospitalised in stable condition. The priest is currently receiving treatment at the National University Hospital, according to the church’s update late on Saturday night.

Two men from the congregation who helped disarm the 37-year-old assailant were awarded the Singapore Police Force’s Public Spiritedness Award during a media briefing held at the Jurong Police Division Headquarters.

Mr Damien Liew Khee Rui and Mr Richard Tan Chai Boon presented with Public Spiritedness Award by Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police (DAC) Bertran Chia.

The men’s swift response prevented further harm to Father Lee and provided reassurance to other congregants in a moment of crisis.

The first responder, a member of the Church’s Emergency Response Team, alongside another congregant, subdued the attacker until police arrived within ten minutes of receiving the call.

In a pastoral letter addressing the incident, Archbishop of Singapore, Cardinal William Goh, underscored the importance of community vigilance and operational readiness to prevent and mitigate the consequences of such attacks.

“The truth is we should not be overly surprised that this incident happened in our most sacred space,” Cardinal Goh wrote, urging religious leaders and congregants to accept the reality that violent incidents may occur.

He noted that motivations for such acts can vary widely, including mental health issues or personal grievances unrelated to faith.

The archbishop’s letter, published on the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore’s website, was also shared on social media, accompanied by a video showing Cardinal Goh with Father Lee.

Cardinal Goh expressed gratitude that the Catholic Church of Singapore had taken steps to prepare for potential security incidents.

In 2016, the Archdiocese established the Archdiocesan Emergency Response Operations Council to improve security and train congregants in vigilance.

Additionally, the Church collaborates regularly with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Singapore Police Force on security matters.

While acknowledging the need to strengthen security, Cardinal Goh cautioned against measures that may overburden worshippers or restrict clergy in their pastoral duties. “Conversely, overreacting would show a lack of courage, allowing evil to triumph by controlling our lives,” he wrote, emphasising that religious leaders, as public figures, must accept certain risks while ministering courageously.

In its statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs commended the response of congregants in preventing further harm, especially the two men who intervened.

MHA noted that their quick actions exemplified the critical role that community readiness plays in ensuring public safety. The ministry highlighted the importance of emergency preparedness skills, such as first aid, CPR, and AED use, which can be life-saving before authorities arrive.

MHA’s SGSecure national movement has launched initiatives, including the Community Response Roundtable (CRRT), to strengthen crisis preparedness.

St Joseph’s Church, which participated in a recent CRRT meeting, is receiving continued support from MHA, including professional psychological assistance for congregants who witnessed the attack.

Mr K Shanmugam, Singapore’s Minister for Home Affairs and Law, praised Singapore’s interfaith community for their solidarity following the incident.

“We have seen in other countries that violent incidents in a religious setting or with religious undertones can sometimes spark distrust and suspicion between religious communities,” he said.

“In Singapore, our various faiths and their leaders have instead stood shoulder to shoulder in support of each other during trying times, including this incident.” This show of unity, he noted, is integral to Singapore’s social resilience.

The assailant, a Singaporean with past convictions for serious hurt and drug offences, will be charged on 11 November 2024 for voluntarily causing grievous hurt with a dangerous weapon.

Police have stated that he acted alone and that no evidence indicates a religious motive or terrorist connection. The authorities are seeking a court order for his remand and a psychiatric evaluation.

The MHA has urged the public to avoid speculation, instead focusing on supporting those affected.