Spanish monk killed and injured several times in attack on monastery, suspect remains at large

A monk is dead and several others were injured after a man attacked a Spanish monastery, officials said.

The man entered the Santo Espíritu del Monte monastery in Gilet, Spain, around 9:30 a.m. local time on Saturday, the Immaculate Conception Province of the Franciscan Order said in a statement. He “bursted into the premises with a violent and defiant demeanor” and carried a blunt object in his hand, the statement said.

The brothers had just finished breakfast and were in their rooms at the time of the attack, the order said.

One of the monks of the monastery, who was Brother Ángel Ramón, managed to get the attacker away and called the authorities, the statement said. The country’s Civil Guard and Gilet local police responded and provided immediate assistance.

The order did not identify the injured brothers or release information about their conditions.

There are 48 monasteries throughout Spain that fall under the Immaculate Conception Province of the Franciscan Order. The Monastery of Santo Espíritu del Monte is located in the conflict-affected Valencia province with the consequences of floods More than 200 people were killed.

Authorities continued to search for the attacker, the statement said. He was described as middle-aged.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.