Jostled priest and suspicious package in a Toulouse cathedral: what we know about the incident
A priest officiating at the Saint-Etienne cathedral in Toulouse tried to control an individual who had entered the building this Friday morning around 8:30 a.m. to drop a bag there. A security system has been put in place around the building.
According to information from The Dispatchduring the 8 a.m. mass, a man entered the building and placed a package in front of the altar, shouting words that were not understood by the audience.
He then ran away before shoving the sexton who was trying to intercept him.
Contrary to current rumours, no priest was assaulted. The archdiocese and the prefecture confirm to Toulouse news that there are no injuries.
A team of deminers on site
A witness to the scene reported to Toulouse news that the individual in question “was about 30 years old, wore headphones, a cap and a white mask on his face”.
The cathedral was evacuated. About fifty police officers including deminers are mobilized on the spot. CCTV footage is being analyzed. A security perimeter has been set up.
The Minister of the Interior called on Toulouse residents to avoid the sector this Friday morning.
Police operation in downtown Toulouse.
We will keep you informed.
Please avoid the area.— Gérald DARMANIN (@GDarmanin) April 8, 2022
