Attack at Polish abbey

A priest has been killed and four other people injured in a knife attack at a Catholic abbey in the town of Jarosław in south-east Poland on Thursday.

Suspect arrested

A 31-year-old Ukrainian man was arrested after the stabbings. Reports in Polish media said the attacker first injured a priest in a nearby cafe, then stabbed four more people inside the abbey.

Leaders respond

Polish President Karol Nawrocki said Thursday's attack has shaken us all and demands a firm response from the state. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said we are shocked by this evil.

“has shaken us all and demands a firm response from the state”

Support and investigation

Polish Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński said psychological support was being provided to those affected. A police investigation into the attacker's motives is now under way.

Justice promised

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the perpetrator will be punished with the full severity of Polish law. President Zelensky said the perpetrator must bear full responsibility according to the law.

“will be punished with the full severity of Polish law”

Broader tensions

Poland has recently seen a number of often violent incidents involving its citizens and Ukrainians, many of whom have fled their home country after Russia's full-scale invasion.