A priest was attacked during a church service at Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral in Spokane, Washington, on Tuesday night, in an incident that left the congregation shaken.

According to ABC News, the attack occurred during the second night of novena, a traditional period of prayer observed over nine days or weeks, with around 400 worshippers in attendance.

40-year-old Joshua James Sommers left his pew and rushed towards the altar near the end of the service, attempting to strike Rev David Gaines in the face.

Security footage captured the moment as Gaines quickly subdued Sommers, with church staff and attendees stepping in to assist.

Video of the incident shows Sommers screaming, while Gaines remains calm, repeatedly telling him, "It's OK, just calm down."

Security guards intervened immediately, and the Spokane Police Department was notified.

Gaines was unharmed in the attack.

Fr Darrin Connall, who was kneeling at the altar when the incident occurred, told the outlet that the church had never experienced anything this serious before.

"All of us were pretty shaken," Connall admitted. "You don't expect to see something like that when you're gathering together to pray and worship."

Despite the distressing event, Connall said the congregation paused the service to pray for Sommers, expressing hope for his healing.

"Whatever demons he was struggling with needed to be healed," he added.

Sommers was arrested on misdemeanor assault charges and remains in custody.

Reports indicate that he has a history of violent behavior. In 2023, he was charged with third-degree assault after attacking an employee at a mental health facility, where he was a patient.

According to court records, he punched the employee multiple times and stole their keys in an attempt to escape.

He appeared in court on Wednesday 5th February for the latest assault, along with an outstanding warrant from his previous case.

He is expected to return to court later this month.