Man sets fire to Virgin Mary Church in Egypt's Giza

Security forces arrested a man after he set fire to furnishings inside the Church of the Virgin Mary in the Barak al-Khiyam area of Giza, Egypt, on Thursday, Oct. 22.

The Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Central Giza reported that the incident occurred around 6 a.m. when the man entered the church under the pretext of praying. According to the diocese, the man carried a bottle of gasoline in a bag, broke the door of a small ground-floor chapel, and ignited curtains, carpeting, and wooden Gospel stands. Bishop Theodosius of Central Giza reviewed surveillance footage with priests, confirming that the damage was limited and no one was injured.

The Egyptian Ministry of Interior stated the suspect was found sitting on a church bench, partially undressed and speaking incoherently. Ministry officials said surveillance footage showed the man entering with a plastic water bottle containing a white substance without being stopped by gate security. An assessment by the ministry indicated the man suffers from mental health issues related to crystal methamphetamine addiction and has previously been admitted to a psychiatric clinic. The public prosecution is investigating the incident.