At least two dead and multiple worshipers seriously injured in mass stabbing at a Baptist church in San Jose
- The San Jose Police Department tweeted just after 8:40pm local time that officers had responded to a series stabbings at Grace Baptist Church
- Multiple victims were found at the scene; some with life-threatening injuries
- San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo confirmed that two victims had died and claimed that a suspect was in custody in a since-deleted tweet
- Moments after, SJPD confirmed the deaths, writing that ‘two victims had succumbed to their injuries and have been pronounced dead’
- But the department said ‘No confirmation of an arrest’, with the scene still active
- No services were being held at the church at the time of the attack
- The SJPD said a number of ‘unhoused’ individuals had been brought inside the church in the hours prior ‘get them out of the cold’
Two people have reportedly died and multiple others are seriously wounded following a mass stabbing at a California Baptist church on Sunday night.
The San Jose Police Department tweeted just after 8:40pm local time that officers had responded to a series stabbings at Grace Baptist Church, located on the 400 block of E San Fernando Street.
They followed up the message just under an hour later at 9:30pm, with a post confirming ‘multiple stabbing victims’ had been discovered at the scene, some of whom had suffered ‘life threatening injuries.’
San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo confirmed that two victims had died in a since-deleted tweet. He also said police had the suspect in custody.
‘Our hearts go out to the families of the two community members who have succumbed to stabbing wounds in the attack at Grace Baptist Church downtown tonight,’ he tweeted at 8:55pm. ‘SJPD has arrested the suspect. Others are seriously wounded, & we keep them in our prayers.’
The San Jose Police Department tweeted that officers responded to the stabbing at Grace Baptist Church, located on the 400 block of E San Fernando Street, just after 8:40pm local time
Video captured from the scene by CBS San Francisco shows a large police presence and a number of emergency vehicles
After deleting the post 30 minutes later, Liccardo told the public to look out for an update from police instead.
Moments after, SJPD confirmed the deaths, writing that ‘two victims had succumbed to their injuries and have been pronounced dead.’
However, the department said there was ‘no confirmation of an arrest’, adding that the scene remains very active.
Video captured from the scene by CBS San Francisco shows a large police presence and a number of emergency vehicles outside the house of worship.
It’s currently unclear what led to the stabbings. No services were being held at the church at the time, according to police.
The SJPD said a number of ‘unhoused’ individuals had been brought inside the church in the hours prior ‘get them out of the cold’.
Police didn’t say whether any of the homeless individuals were involved.
The church is near the campus of San Jose State University.
More information will be released when it becomes available, the department said.
San Jose’s Grace Baptist Church is seen in the above image. The incident was reported at 7:53 pm local time
It’s currently unclear what led to the stabbings. No services were being held at the church at the time, according to police
