This article is from the source 'rtcom' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.rt.com/news/353311-france-hostage-church-rouvray/

The article has changed 10 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 5 Version 6
Hostage takers kill at least 1 at French church, priest's throat reportedly slit Hostage takers kill at least 1 at French church, priest's throat reportedly slit
(35 minutes later)
A priest has been killed during a hostage situation at a church in northern France, according to a police source. The two attackers slit his throat, police sources told Reuters.A priest has been killed during a hostage situation at a church in northern France, according to a police source. The two attackers slit his throat, police sources told Reuters.
Both attackers were killed by police snipers after running out of the church at one point during the standoff, an interior ministry spokesman said.Both attackers were killed by police snipers after running out of the church at one point during the standoff, an interior ministry spokesman said.
Police have also officially confirmed the death of one victim, who was "killed with a blade."Police have also officially confirmed the death of one victim, who was "killed with a blade."
In an official statement, France's President Hollande called the attack a "terrorist act," and said the attackers claimed a connection to IS. He added that France needs to battle against IS "by all means," Reuters reported.In an official statement, France's President Hollande called the attack a "terrorist act," and said the attackers claimed a connection to IS. He added that France needs to battle against IS "by all means," Reuters reported.
Police earlier said they could not confirm the motive or the identities of the attackers.Police earlier said they could not confirm the motive or the identities of the attackers.
One of the attackers wanted to go to Syria in 2015, but was seized in Turkey and deported back to France. He was arrested in May 2015 and spent almost a year in prison, before being released on March 2. He has since been required to wear an electronic bracelet. Upon his release, he returned to his parents' house to live, French broadcaster iTele reported.
The attackers briefly held a total of five people. One of the hostages was seriously wounded, interior ministry spokesman Pierre-Henry Brandet said.The attackers briefly held a total of five people. One of the hostages was seriously wounded, interior ministry spokesman Pierre-Henry Brandet said.
SWAT and anti-terrorist units, as well as firefighters, promptly arrived at the scene. The premises are now being searched for explosives, Brandet said.SWAT and anti-terrorist units, as well as firefighters, promptly arrived at the scene. The premises are now being searched for explosives, Brandet said.
The Paris anti-terrorist prosecutor is launching an investigation into the church attack and hostage-taking situation.The Paris anti-terrorist prosecutor is launching an investigation into the church attack and hostage-taking situation.
"Don't break the security perimeter to take photos/videos, you're interfering with the police work," local police warned on Twitter."Don't break the security perimeter to take photos/videos, you're interfering with the police work," local police warned on Twitter.
Local media say that a female worshipper alerted the police.Local media say that a female worshipper alerted the police.
The Vatican has condemned the "barbaric killing" of the priest in the attack.The Vatican has condemned the "barbaric killing" of the priest in the attack.
"We are particularly shocked because this horrible violence took place in a church, in which God's love is announced," Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said, according to Reuters."We are particularly shocked because this horrible violence took place in a church, in which God's love is announced," Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said, according to Reuters.
Father Jacques Hamel, who was killed in the attack, was 84 years old. He had served as a priest for 58 of those years.Father Jacques Hamel, who was killed in the attack, was 84 years old. He had served as a priest for 58 of those years.
French President Francois Hollande and Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve arrived at the site of the attack.French President Francois Hollande and Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve arrived at the site of the attack.