Catholic Priest Attacked During Prayer Service in Washington State (Watch video below)

A “disturbed gentleman” attacks the Rev. David Gaines inside the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes in Spokane, Wash., on Feb. 4, 2025.

A Catholic priest was assaulted by a "disturbed gentleman" during a prayer service in Washington state, sending a peaceful ceremony into chaos on Tuesday night.

The Rev. David Gaines, parochial vicar at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes in Spokane, was praying alongside Bishop Thomas Daly when the attack occurred.

The incident took place during the church’s second night of the Lourdes Novena for Healing, a nine-day prayer series leading up to the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, the patron saint of healing and the sick.

Bishop Thomas Daly looks on as Rev. Gaines tackles the attacker near the altar

Footage from the church’s livestream captured the suspect, seated in the front row, suddenly jumping up and charging toward the altar, where the celebrants were kneeling.

Gaines stood to confront the attacker and was struck in the face. The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, fell to the floor as Gaines immediately subdued him. The two struggled briefly before church staff and congregants rushed in to assist.

A microphone picked up a witness trying to de-escalate the situation, saying, "Calm down. It’s OK, buddy. It’s all right."

The Rev. Darrin Connall, who was leading the prayer at the time, quickly called for security as the suspect’s incoherent shouting echoed through the cathedral.

The man was eventually restrained, handcuffed, and led out of the church by several attendees. Connall then resumed the service, offering a prayer for "that disturbed gentleman."

Footage of the church’s livestream captured the suspect jumping out of his seat in the first row pew and running toward the altar where the celebrants were kneeling.

At the end of the night, Connall expressed gratitude to those who rushed to help, informing the congregation that the man had been arrested and charged with assault and trespassing.

Despite the shocking attack, Gaines sustained no injuries, and no other congregants were harmed.

"Fr. Gaines and Bishop Daly are both doing well. Thank you for all of your concerns and for joining us again for this evening’s Novena," the church wrote in a Facebook update.

Reflecting on the incident, Connall noted its tragic irony: "Whatever his motivation was, it wasn’t well. It’s providential—or ironic—that we are in these days of healing, and in the midst of it, this happens to a man who clearly needs some sort of healing in his life."

The prayer service continued as planned the following evening, with Connall addressing the attack in a lighthearted manner.

"We’re fine—just a little shaken from last night, but today helped. It was a troubling event," he said, before jokingly suggesting that Gaines should wear a bandage similar to the one President Trump wore after his assassination attempt in July 2024.

"I asked Father Gaines to process in tonight with a square bandage over his ear. I would’ve done it, but Father Gaines has more integrity," he quipped, drawing laughter from the audience.

The suspect is expected to appear in court on Thursday. Authorities have yet to determine a motive for the attack.