On October 22, 2026, a suspected arson attack caused a small fire at the Church of the Virgin Mary in the Berak Al-Khayam area of Kerdasa, Giza, Egypt. [1, 2]
An unidentified man was arrested following a suspected arson attack on the Church of the Virgin Mary. The incident occurred around 6:00 AM on Thursday, October 22, 2026
According to statements from the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Central Giza, headed by Bishop Theodosius, the suspect entered the church premises under the pretext of wanting to pray. [2]The incident was quickly brought under control, and no injuries or casualties were reported. [1, 2]
Key Details of the Incident
- The Attack: At approximately 6:00 a.m., a man entered the church under the pretext of praying while concealing a bottle of fuel inside a bag. He broke through the door of a small ground-floor chapel, where he lit curtains and carpeting on fire, and damaged wooden lecterns. [1, 2]
- The Damage: According to Egypt's Ministry of Interior, the physical damage was limited, affecting three curtains and a floor carpet. Civil defence teams arrived quickly to prevent the flames from spreading. [1, 2]
- The Suspect: Security personnel apprehended the suspect inside the church, where he was found partially unclothed and speaking incoherently. [1, 2]
- Motive and Background: The Interior Ministry reported that the suspect suffered from severe mental health issues stemming from an addiction to crystal methamphetamine ("ice") and had a history of psychiatric hospitalization. Officials stated that his actions did not appear to be a coordinated sectarian attack. [1, 2, 3]
- Security Concerns: The incident has sparked criticism and internal investigations regarding security protocols, as the man managed to bypass gate security without being searched or stopped. [1, 2]
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