Priest escapes knife attack during mass at winnipeg church

A knifeman attacked a Catholic priest during Mass at Holy Ghost Parish in Winnipeg, Canada, on February 9.

The suspect, 50-year-old Pawel Olownia, attempted to stab the priest before driving the weapon into the altar.

The priest managed to escape unharmed.

Parishioners, including an off-duty RCMP officer, subdued the attacker until police arrived.

Authorities have not identified a motive, and no prior connection between the suspect and the priest has been found.

Constable Stephen Spencer of the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) stated that as the suspect approached, the pastor managed to react in time—whether by spotting the knife or through instinct—allowing him to evade the attack.

According to a WPS news release and video footage, after the priest escaped unharmed, the suspect drove the knife into the altar before sitting in a chair at the back of the altar.

Investigators have found no prior connection between the attacker and the priest, who stated he had never encountered the suspect before.

“This is the first time I’ve seen an incident like this in a church in my 23 years on the force,” Spencer added. “It’s quite different, for sure, and quite alarming.”

The Archdiocese of Winnipeg acknowledged the incident in a statement on February 10, expressing gratitude that no one was injured.

The suspect remains in custody as the legal process unfolds.