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Man Charged After Violent Attack on Spokane Priest

2/8/2025

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Summary

Story summary

During a healing service at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes in Spokane, Washington, Joshua Sommers, 40, violently charged the altar and punched Rev. David Gaines. Thankfully, Gaines emerged unscathed, but Sommers was arrested on multiple assault charges, revealing a troubling history of violence. In response, the church has ramped up security measures to ensure safety.

History

Historical Context

Joshua Sommers' violent outburst during a healing service in Spokane reflects a broader trend of religiously motivated violence in the U.S. Historically, incidents like the 1996 shooting at a Colorado Springs church and the rise of anti-abortion violence illustrate a troubling pattern where individuals justify aggression in the name of faith. This highlights ongoing concerns about safety in religious spaces.

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Story summary

During a healing service at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes in Spokane, Washington, Joshua Sommers, 40, violently charged the altar and punched Rev. David Gaines. Thankfully, Gaines emerged unscathed, but Sommers was arrested on multiple assault charges, revealing a troubling history of violence. In response, the church has ramped up security measures to ensure safety.

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