No fatalities in assault on Indonesian church

There were no serious casualties, though the priest and his attacker suffered minor  injuries, according to police in Medan city, northern Sumatra. “A terrorism act was carried out today morning at the Saint Joseph catholic church,” said a spokeswoman for Medan police in a statement. “Police are interrogating the perpetrator... and will search his house for any bomb-making materials.” 

A witness said the attacker had sat with other worshippers before running toward  the priest.

“There was a small explosion like fireworks and he also took out a knife as he ran toward the priest,” said Timbas Ginting. A bomb squad was sent to the site to check whether the assailant was carrying explosives, in case the attack was a failed suicide bomb attempt. “What’s clear is that the pastor was threatened, and (there was) an attempt to hurt the pastor,” the head of criminal investigations for police in Medan, said.