Shots against Greek Orthodox priests in Lyon

mein the Greek Orthodox priest was shot in Lyon on Saturday. The victim’s condition is “serious”. Several French media reported that he was hospitalized with fatal injuries, citing police. Agents arrested a suspect Saturday night. Lyon prosecutor Nicolas Jacquet said on Saturday that the person who was not carrying a weapon when they were arrested is in police custody. It could be the person described by the witnesses, the review is still ongoing.

According to information from “FranceInfo”, two shots were fired at the victim. The “AP” news agency reported, citing a police officer, that the attacker was alone and fired with a hunting rifle. The 52-year-old priest, who comes from Greece, was about to “close his church,” he said.

Security and rescue workers were on the scene. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin asked residents to stay away from the surroundings. Prime Minister Jean Castex returned to the capital early from a trip to Rouen. A crisis team has already been set up in Paris to deal with the attack.

According to unconfirmed reports, witnesses are said to have seen the man at the scene. Consequently, he wore a cap and coat under which he carried a sawed-off rifle. Due to strict exit restrictions in France, there are significantly fewer people on the streets.

Nothing is yet known about the exact background. On Thursday there were Islamist attacks on believers in Nice and Avignon. A 21-year-old suspected Tunisian terrorist had killed three people with a knife in a church in Nice.