An Orthodox priest of Greek nationality was shot with a sawed-off shotgun around 4 p.m. in Lyon, Saturday, October 31, and the alleged perpetrator is on the run, according to a police source.  

The priest was "in the process of closing his church," the source said, adding that he is in serious condition. 

The Interior Ministry reported an intervention by security forces in the 7th arrondissement of Lyon, calling on the population to avoid the Jean-Macé sector.

đź”´ #ALERT |

An event is underway near the Jean-Macé sector, in the 7th arrondissement in #Lyon.


Security and rescue forces are there.

A security perimeter has been installed.


⚠️ Avoid the area and follow the instructions of the authorities.

pic.twitter.com/ZZxeTADcAF

- Ministry of the Interior - Alert (@Beauvau_Alerte) October 31, 2020

This incident comes two days after the attack in Nice in the Notre-Dame de l'Assomption Basilica in which 3 people were killed by an Islamist assailant armed with a knife.

The government has left an exemption until Monday inclusive for places of worship to celebrate All Saints' Day, before a re-containment to fight against the Covid-19 epidemic. 

After the Nice attack, Emmanuel Macron announced the transition from 3,000 to 7,000 soldiers for Operation Sentinel in order to protect places of worship and schools. 

To this are added some 7,000 members of the police, half of them reservist gendarmes, who will be made available to the prefects from Monday to ensure security.

With AFP

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