An Oklahoma pastor is recovering after being stabbed while in church. The pastor, whose name has not been released, reportedly disarmed and subdued the suspect with the help of two other people inside the Church of Christ in Pryor.
According to Pryor Creek Police Chief Jeremy Cantrell, officers responded to the report of a disturbance at the church on Dec. 22. Once on scene, officers located an active physical altercation inside the church. Police noticed the pastor sustained injuries that included lacerations.
“[The adult] was provided immediate medical care before being transported to a Tulsa-area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries,” Cantrell said in a news release.
According to the local outlet, KTUL, the pastor suffered stab wounds on his hand and underwent surgery. He also received stitches on his chin.
The scene was quickly secured, and police said there is no ongoing threat to the public.
“An adult female was taken into custody following officer intervention and was transported to the Mayes County Jail on a federal hold after medical evaluation,” Cantrell added. “Due to the suspect’s tribal status, the investigation has been referred to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.”
The attack in Oklahoma comes as data shows an increase in attacks and hostility towards houses of worship, including churches in the U.S. According to the Family Research Council, there have been more than 1,384 acts of hostility toward U.S. churches between January 2018 and December 2024, including vandalism, arson, bomb threats, gun-related incidents, and other crimes.