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2 Killed, 3 Critically Wounded in Stabbing at Grace Baptist Church in California

  • Amanda Casanova

    Amanda Casanova is a writer living in Dallas, Texas. She has covered news for ChristianHeadlines.com since 2014. She has also contributed to The Houston Chronicle, U.S. News and World Report and…

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  • Updated Nov 23, 2020

Two people were killed and three others were wounded after a stabbing attack Sunday night at a church in San Jose, California.

According to NBC, a suspect was taken into custody and police are investigating the motive for the attack at Grace Baptist Church near the San Jose State University campus.

Police were called to the scene Sunday about 8 p.m. The church did not have services happening at the time, but the church was providing temporary shelter to homeless people from the cold weather.

One of the victims, a man, was pronounced dead at the scene, and a woman died at a nearby hospital. The three others injured in the attack are at local hospitals in serious, but stable condition.

"Our hearts are torn for the victims and their loved ones in last night’s horrific stabbing at Grace Baptist Church on 10th Street,” San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo said Monday in a statement. “We have lost two community members, and we pray for the recovery of the three others seriously injured in that attack. SJPD has arrested a suspect, who remains in custody. We will keep the community updated as SJPD releases more information."

The San Jose Police Department said the homicides were the city’s 40th and 41st killings of the year.

Grace Baptist Church of San Jose is a member of the Evergreen Association of American Baptists and American Baptist Churches USA.

According to the church’s website, the church “serves a very eclectic group of people. College students, homeless, the mental health population, families with young children, and the LGBTQ community, and aging persons too.

“In an atmosphere of diversity and dignity, everyone is welcome to be a part of this exciting congregation. If you ever felt you don’t fit anywhere else, come to Grace and you’ll find a home!”

According to local Fox affiliate KTUV, the church was part of an effort to provide shelter for the homeless. Under COVID-19 restrictions, the church had about 50 beds available.

Photo courtesy: Pixabay


Amanda Casanova is a writer living in Dallas, Texas. She has covered news for ChristianHeadlines.com since 2014. She has also contributed to The Houston Chronicle, U.S. News and World Report and IBelieve.com. She blogs at The Migraine Runner.