Please pray for all those involved in this situation!
Two security guards at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington D.C. are in the hospital after an attack began in the parking lot around 9:15 this morning.
Reports said the suspect hit a female guard with his vehicle and later stabbed another guard several times inside the church. Authorities believe the suspect knows both guards and that it was a domestic issue unrelated to the shrine.
Both victims are in stable but critical condition.
NBC4 Washington reported that the male suspect first drove into the parking lot, hit a female guard with his car, and pinned her between two vehicles. He also hit several additional vehicles in the lot.
The suspect then exited his vehicle and chased the other male guard into the shrine, stabbing him several times. After stabbing the guard, the suspect attempted to escape and hit the female guard with his vehicle again before leaving.
The suspect fled the scene, abandoning his car about three miles away. He then barricaded himself in his home, resulting in an hour-long police standoff. The standoff concluded after he turned himself in.
The police took the suspect to the hospital for minor injuries. It is unclear if the wounds were self-inflicted or if they resulted from the attack. Charges will be filed against the suspect.
Here’s a news report from NBC4 Washington:
Click here if you cannot see the video above.
The Basilica also released a statement regarding the incident on their twitter account. They explained that no visitors or guests were injured during the incident.
Here’s the Basilica’s statement:
The statement reads, “This morning at approximately 9:15, there was an incident involving a single suspect at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The suspect encountered two members of our security staff, both who were injured in the incident.
“The suspect is believed to be known to the victims. No visitors or guests were harmed in the incident. The
@DCPoliceDept is investigating the incident and we will give updates as more facts are confirmed.”
Let us pray for all those involved in this matter!
Our Lady, please pray for us!
[See also: Husband Washes Wife’s Feet at Wedding Reception Instead of Tossing Garter: “You Deserve to Be Cherished”]