The Cathedral of Toulouse had to evacuate after a man disrupted a Mass celebration and left a strange package at the foot of the altar.
Newsroom (08/04/2022 12:12 PM, Gaudium Press) This morning, at Toulouse’ Saint-Etienne Cathedral, Fr. Jean-Jacques was celebrating the usual 8 AM Mass for his parishioners.
After communion, a man entered the Cathedral by the central doors and walked down the main aisle towards the altar. He deposited a suspicious package next to the steps of the presbytery and left in haste.
While Sacristan Aurélien Dreux tried to intercept the fleeing man, the suspect pushed him and exited the building through the main gate.
The Cathedral hastily evacuated
Immediately, the faithful evacuated the temple. Police sealed off the Cathedral and the surrounding area.
A bomb squad arrived at the scene and proceeded to deactivate a device found inside the package. It contained an improvised explosive device with acid and aluminum pieces but no detonator. Police also a second package. It was empty.
Fake terrorist attack?
The French anti-terrorist brigade is evaluating the incident. According to the investigators, the episode may not be related to a terrorist attack. The suspect was identified as a 40 years old man. Police are searching for the suspect.
The Cathedral’s Dean, Fr. Simon D’Artigue, noted that a few months ago, the Cathedral trained parishioners on safety procedures in case of a terrorist attack. “It’s sad to get to this point, but it’s mandatory,” he lamented while regretting the incident. (FM)
Compiled by Gustavo Kralj
