VALENCIA, Spain — A peaceful retreat turned into a scene of terror on Saturday morning after a man forced his way into the Santo Espíritu del Monte monastery, carrying out a violent stabbing spree that left one venerable priest dead and four other religious brothers injured.
The attack unfolded around 10:00 a.m. local time at the historic Franciscan monastery in Gilet, a quiet town nestled in the hills north of Valencia. According to witnesses and local authorities, an unidentified man leaped over the perimeter wall surrounding the grounds and breached the living quarters of the friars.
Witnesses reported that the assailant shouted, "I am Jesus Christ, and I am going to kill the priests," as he moved room to room, striking members of the community with a combination of blunt objects and a sharp blade.
Elderly friars, gathered in prayer and morning duties, were caught completely off guard.
"He went through the rooms, attacking everyone he found," recalled one surviving friar, who managed to escape and alert local emergency services. "It was total panic. We couldn't believe what was happening inside our home."
Local police and emergency medical teams arrived within minutes to find a scene of horrific devastation. A 76-year-old priest suffered critical head trauma and severe chest wounds; despite rapid transport to a nearby hospital, medical staffs were unable to save him, and he succumbed to his injuries early Sunday morning.
Four other monks—ranging in age from 57 to 95—were treated for varying degrees of stab wounds, severe bruising, and emotional shock. Two remain hospitalized in stable condition, while two others were treated and released into the care of local clergy.
The suspect fled into the surrounding wooded mountain area following the assault, triggering a massive overnight manhunt by the Spanish Civil Guard. Officers deployed tracking dogs, thermal drones, and tactical ground units. Early Sunday morning, authorities confirmed the arrest of a 27-year-old local resident believed to be the sole perpetrator.
While the exact motive behind the attack remains under investigation, regional authorities indicated that the suspect appears to have suffered a severe psychological episode during the rampage. Police confirmed there are no initial indications connecting the violence to terrorism or coordinated hate groups.
Reactions to the horror at Santo Espíritu del Monte have rippled across Spain. Regional leaders and church officials issued statements expressing deep sorrow and condemning the unprovoked violence at a sanctuary known for centuries as a place of quiet reflection and community outreach.
"This is an unthinkable tragedy for our entire congregation and town," said a spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Valencia. "We pray for the soul of our deceased brother, the speedy recovery of those recovering from their physical wounds, and peace for a community deeply shaken by this dark event."
Local authorities have reassured residents that there is no further threat to the public, as the suspect remains in custody awaiting formal charges.
Published by Banx Network. This article is part of the Banx decentralized media programme, powered by the BXE token on the XRP Ledger.
