Spain Launches Terror Probe After Deadly Church Attack Kills at Least 1 Person, Injures Several

A motive for the knife attack has yet to be determined; however, police have detained the suspect amid their ongoing investigation.

Spanish authorities launched a terror investigation on Wednesday after officials took into custody a suspect who allegedly carried out a knife attack inside a church in the southern city of Spain's Algeciras.

The investigation was announced just moments after news surfaced on the attack, of which a motive has yet to be determined.

Juan Manuel Moreno, the president of the Autonomous Government of Andalusia, detailed in a statement that one priest was killed and another sustained serious injuries in Algeciras. "It is horrific and heartbreaking," he said.

Officials earlier stated one individual had been fatally struck just outside the church of San Isidro, and that four others had sustained injuries from the incident. One person is said to be in serious condition.

Although investigators have not identified the attacker, reports have indicated the individual is of North African origin and appeared to be in his 30s.

Footage of police taking the suspected attacker into custody has been shared online by authorities.

🎥 Momento de la llegada del yihadista detenido por Policía en Algeciras tras los ataques con machete.

Un muerto y un herido de gravedad. pic.twitter.com/Aylq8nIeXe

— AUGC Guardia Civil (@AUGC_Comunica) January 25, 2023

A statement released by the Spanish Interior Ministry detailed the fatal attack took place just before 8 p.m. local time. While the department did not release information on the weapon used, it has been described by local media as a "samurai sword" and a "machete."

An investigation is ongoing.