Knifeman kills priest, injures four in attack at Polish abbey
Polish prosecutors split the single initial charge against a Ukrainian citizen into five separate counts following a fatal knife attack at the Benedictine Sisters abbey in Jarosław. The 31-year-old suspect, identified in reports as Ihor M. or Igor M., faces murder and attempted murder charges after a priest was killed and four other individuals were injured. Authorities previously established that the suspect entered Poland from Germany on the day of the assault, and he remains held in pretrial detention at a psychiatric hospital after confessing.
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- ✓ Prosecutors in Przemyśl brought five separate charges against a 31-year-old Ukrainian citizen named Ihor M. or Igor M. for the knife attack at the Benedictine Sisters abbey in Jarosław.
- ✓ The attack resulted in the death of a priest and injuries to four other people.
- ✓ The suspect previously confessed to murder and attempted murder and remains in pretrial detention at a psychiatric hospital.
What changed
Prosecutors formally replaced the single previous charge with five separate criminal counts against the suspect.
Live updates
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Poland Splits Charges Against Ukrainian Suspect in Abbey Attack
Polish prosecutors split the single initial charge against a Ukrainian citizen into five separate counts following a fatal knife attack at the Benedictine Sisters abbey in Jarosław. The 31-year-old suspect, identified in reports as Ihor M. or Igor M., faces murder and attempted murder charges after a priest was killed and four other individuals were injured. Authorities previously established that the suspect entered Poland from Germany on the day of the assault, and he remains held in pretrial detention at a psychiatric hospital after confessing.
Why it matters
The incident at the Catholic monastery in Jarosław drew sharp attention due to the nationality of the suspect and the high security risk associated with knife violence at religious properties. Przemyśl prosecutors handled the case by recalibrating the legal framework to account for each individual victim separately. The suspect now faces the prospect of a life sentence in Poland.
What is confirmed
- Prosecutors in Przemyśl brought five separate charges against a 31-year-old Ukrainian citizen named Ihor M. or Igor M. for the knife attack at the Benedictine Sisters abbey in Jarosław.
- The attack resulted in the death of a priest and injuries to four other people.
- The suspect previously confessed to murder and attempted murder and remains in pretrial detention at a psychiatric hospital.
What to watch next
- Decisions by Przemyśl prosecutors regarding the formal indictment and trial date
- Updates on the medical condition of the four injured victims
- Psychiatric evaluations regarding the suspect's criminal responsibility
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.europesays.com — Poland changes charges in Jarosław abbey attack case ...
- babel.ua — Five charges brought against Ukrainian man who attacked ...
- www.rp.pl — Atak nożownika w Jarosławiu. Prokuratura zmieniła zarzuty ...
- spzh.eu — Ukrainian faces life for attack on Catholic monastery in ...
- ua.news — In Poland, the charges against a Ukrainian man in the case ...
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Polish Prosecutors Alter Charges in Jarosław Abbey Attack
Polish prosecutors altered the charges against a Ukrainian citizen held for the fatal knife attack at the Benedictine Sisters abbey in Jarosław. The 31-year-old suspect, who remains in pretrial detention at a psychiatric hospital after confessing to murder and attempted murder, is now officially suspected of murder and four attempted murders. Five people were stabbed during the incident, including four men and one woman, resulting in the death of one clergyman. Investigators previously established that the suspect crossed into Poland from Germany on the day of the attack.
Why it matters
The attack occurred at the Benedictine Sisters abbey complex on Benedyktyńska Street in Jarosław, Poland, drawing immediate police intervention. Authorities detained the suspect at the scene and launched an investigation into his background and medical history. Prosecutors are actively seeking Ukrainian records regarding his prior medical treatment.
What is confirmed
- Polish prosecutors changed the charges against a Ukrainian citizen in the Jarosław abbey attack case to murder and four attempted murders.
- A 31-year-old Ukrainian citizen remains in pretrial detention at a psychiatric hospital following the fatal knife attack.
- Five people, consisting of four men and one woman, were stabbed during the incident at the Benedictine Sisters abbey complex in Jarosław.
- One clergyman subsequently died from injuries sustained during the attack.
What to watch next
- Response from Ukrainian authorities regarding requests for the suspect prior medical treatment records
- Further updates from Polish prosecutors on the progression of the legal case and trial timeline
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.telegraph.co.uk — Knife crime - The Telegraph
- ua.news — Poland changes charges in Jarosław abbey attack case ...
- www.dailymail.com — ISIS knifeman screaming 'Allahu Akbar' killed after attacking ...
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Priest Killed and Four Injured in Jarosław Abbey Stabbing
A 31-year-old Ukrainian citizen remains in pretrial detention at a psychiatric hospital following a fatal knife attack at the Benedictine Sisters abbey complex on Benedyktyńska Street in Jarosław, Poland. Five people, including four men and one woman, were stabbed during the incident, and one clergyman subsequently died from his injuries. Police and prosecutors confirmed the suspect was detained immediately at the scene. Investigators established that the man crossed into Poland from Germany earlier on the day of the attack. Prosecutors are seeking Ukrainian records regarding his prior medical treatment after he confessed to murder and attempted murder charges.
Why it matters
The stabbing inside the Benedictine convent in Poland's Podkarpackie region quickly intersected with broader public debates surrounding Polish-Ukrainian relations and institutional security. Legal proceedings continue as the Przemyśl Regional Court previously rejected defense challenges to the three-month custody order.
What is confirmed
- A knife attack inside the Benedictine Sisters abbey complex in Jarosław left one priest dead and four other people injured.
- Police and prosecutors identified the victims as four men and one woman.
- Authorities identified the detained suspect as a 31-year-old Ukrainian citizen.
Still unconfirmed
- Polish authorities stated that the suspect entered Poland from Germany earlier on the same day as the attack.
What to watch next
- Response from Ukrainian authorities regarding the request for the suspect's medical treatment history
- Further updates on the legal proceedings and trial preparations following the murder and attempted murder confessions
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (3)
- republicanpress.org — Priest Killed in Attack at Historic Polish Abbey
- worldwirereport.com — Stabbing Incident at Polish Abbey Leaves One Dead
- v4.liveuamap.com — News from Visegrad Group countries: Poland, Hungary, Czechia ...
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No New Updates on Polish Abbey Attack
There are no new developments regarding the ongoing legal proceedings for the 31-year-old Ukrainian citizen identified as Ihor M., who remains in pretrial detention at a psychiatric hospital following an attack at a Benedictine convent in Jarosław that left a priest dead and four others injured. The Przemyśl Regional Court previously dismissed a defense appeal against the three-month custody order. Prosecutors are seeking assistance from Ukraine regarding the suspect's medical treatment history after he confessed to murder and attempted murder charges.
Why it matters
The attack occurred on the grounds of a Benedictine convent in the city of Jarosław. Przemyśl Regional Court handled the defense appeal regarding the custody order for the suspect, who is currently held for health reasons.
What is confirmed
- A 31-year-old Ukrainian citizen identified as Ihor M. is held in pretrial detention at a psychiatric hospital.
- The Przemyśl Regional Court dismissed a defense appeal to overturn the custody order.
- The suspect confessed to murder and attempted murder charges following violence at a Benedictine convent in Jarosław.
- Prosecutors sought assistance from Ukraine regarding the suspect's prior medical treatment.
What to watch next
- Decisions by the Przemyśl Regional Court regarding the extension of the three-month pretrial detention
- Updates from prosecutors regarding the requested medical information from Ukraine
- Formal indictments or trial dates related to the murder and attempted murder charges
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (7)
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Polish Court Keeps Ukrainian Priest-Killing Suspect Detained
A Polish court has ordered a 31-year-old Ukrainian citizen suspected of murdering a priest and injuring four other people to remain in pretrial detention for three months. The suspect, identified as Ihor M., is currently held in a psychiatric hospital for health reasons following the violence on the grounds of a Benedictine convent in the city of Jarosław. The Przemyśl Regional Court dismissed a defense appeal to overturn the custody order. Prosecutors previously sought assistance from Ukraine regarding the suspect's prior medical treatment after he confessed to the murder and attempted murder charges.
Why it matters
The violent episode occurred on the grounds of a Benedictine convent in Jarosław shortly before Mass, shocking the local community and drawing calls for prayer from religious leaders. The legal proceedings center on the suspect's mental health status, with authorities placing him in a psychiatric facility while investigations continue. The case has also involved international cooperation between Polish prosecutors and Ukrainian authorities regarding his medical history.
What is confirmed
- The District Court in Przemyśl ruled to remand a 31-year-old Ukrainian citizen in custody for three months.
- The suspect is accused of murdering a priest and attempting to kill four other people on the grounds of a Benedictine convent in Jarosław.
- The Przemyśl Regional Court dismissed the defence appeal and upheld the three-month pretrial detention order for Ihor M.
- Ihor M. is held in a psychiatric hospital for health reasons.
What to watch next
- Decisions by prosecutors regarding the formal filing of indictments following the psychiatric evaluation.
- Results of international judicial cooperation between Poland and Ukraine concerning the suspect's prior medical treatment.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.euronews.com — Attack | Euronews
- ua.news — A Ukrainian man suspected of murdering a priest remains in ...
- pollar.news — Ihor M., accused of killing a priest in Jarosław, stays in ...
- en.apa.az — Media: Governor of National Bank of Ukraine resigns
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Benedictine Superior Urges Prayer for Jarosław Attacker
Following a knife attack at a Benedictine abbey in Jarosław, Poland, that left one priest dead and four other individuals injured, the community superior has publicly urged parishioners to pray for the attacker and seek grace for him. Authorities in Jarosław intensified their investigation into the violence, which began shortly before Mass. The suspect, identified previously as a 31-year-old Ukrainian citizen named Ihor M., confessed to the murder and attempted murder charges following a psychiatric evaluation, while Polish prosecutors requested assistance from Ukraine regarding his prior medical treatment.
Why it matters
The violent episode inside the Catholic convent rattled the religious community in Jarosław, prompting calls from leadership for spiritual reflection rather than indifference toward those suffering. The superior of the Benedictine community emphasized that the assailant is the one who needs prayer the most. Meanwhile, investigators continue to parse the motives and background of the suspect with international cooperation.
What is confirmed
- A knife attack at a Benedictine abbey in Jarosław left one person dead and four injured.
- The attack began shortly before Mass at the convent.
- Father Mantykiewicz, the superior of the Benedictine community in Jarosław, asked people to pray for the attacker and for the grace of conversion for him.
- Authorities in Jarosław intensified their investigation into the violence on October 12, 2026.
Still unconfirmed
- A 35-year-old man who attacked a priest near the altar later explained to police that he only wanted to give a high-five because he raised his hands.
What to watch next
- Results from Polish prosecutors regarding requested medical assistance from Ukraine
- Further official statements from the Benedictine community or investigators in Jarosław
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (8)
- www.banxnetwork.com — Poland Convent Stabbing: One Dead and Four Injured Following ...
- www.scmp.com — Poland: Latest News and Updates | South China Morning Post
- www.1stheadlines.com — Notes from Poland Headlines — 1stHeadlines
- www.japantimes.co.jp — Tag - The Japan Times
- newmedia24.pl — Zaatakował księdza przy ołtarzu. Chciał przybić "piątkę"
- www.straitstimes.com — Ecuador priest urges flock to cherish life, before being fatally struck by falling crucifix
- www.osvnews.com — Poland - OSV News
- www.osvnews.com — Europe - OSV News
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Suspect Confesses After Fatal Stabbing at Polish Abbey
A 31-year-old Ukrainian citizen identified as Ihor M. has pleaded guilty to the murder of a priest and the attempted murder of four other people at a Benedictine abbey in Jarosław, Poland. Polish prosecutors stated that the suspect confessed to the attack following a psychiatric evaluation. The violence left one priest dead, named as Fr. Stanislaw, and injured four other individuals, including Rev. Marek Pieńkowski, who was recently disconnected from a ventilator. Authorities in Poland have requested assistance from Ukraine to determine if the suspect underwent prior medical treatment.
Why it matters
The attack at the Benedictine abbey sent shockwaves through the local community and sparked immediate calls for calm from surviving clergy, who urged congregations not to blame Ukrainians for the violence. Investigators face complex legal and medical hurdles due to the suspect's fluctuating mental health evaluations. Poland's prosecutor office continues to examine the background of the accused, turning to Ukrainian authorities for medical records.
What is confirmed
- A 31-year-old Ukrainian citizen named Ihor M. pleaded guilty to murdering a priest and attempting to murder four other people at an abbey in Jarosław, Poland.
- The suspect is held in a specialised ward and was placed in pretrial detention for three months following a court order in Jarosław.
- Polish prosecutors asked Ukraine for assistance to check whether the suspect underwent previous medical treatment.
Still unconfirmed
- Investigators previously stated the suspect remained in a psychotic state and was unfit for interrogation or formal charges before his subsequent confession.
What to watch next
- Decisions by Polish courts regarding the formal trial of Ihor M.
- Results from Ukrainian authorities regarding the suspect's medical history
- Further medical updates on the condition of the injured victims
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (8)
- mezha.net — Psychosis Delays Questioning of Ukrainian Suspect in Fatal ...
- www.livefromeurope.eu — Ukrainian man charged with murder after stabbing five at ...
- www.christianwarriortraining.com — Priest Killed and Four Wounded, Church Shot Up From Scooter ...
- ukrmedia.news — A Ukrainian man has confessed to the murder of a priest in ...
- babel.ua — 31-year-old Ukrainian man who attacked people in a monastery ...
- ua.news — A Ukrainian man has confessed to attacking a monastery in ...
- lonetrumpet.com — Priest Killed, Four Wounded in Knife Attack at Polish Abbey
- unn.ua — Poland asks Ukraine for assistance in investigating the ...
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Injured Polish Priest Off Ventilator After Abbey Knife Attack
An injured priest has been disconnected from a ventilator following a deadly knife attack at a Benedictine abbey in Jarosław. Rev. Marek Pieńkowski was taken off breathing support ten days after the assault, which killed Fr. Stanislaw and left four other people injured. Meanwhile, another wounded clergyman, Fr. Adrian Mantykiewicz, returned to the altar to preach forgiveness and urge his congregation not to blame Ukrainians for the violence. Prosecutors in Przemyśl stated that the 31-year-old suspect, identified as Ihor M., remains unfit for interrogation or formal charges.
Why it matters
The knife attack took place on September 24 at a Benedictine abbey in southeastern Poland that has provided refuge to Ukrainians fleeing Russia's full-scale invasion. Church leaders and surviving clergy have actively worked to prevent public backlash against Ukrainian refugees following the tragedy. The suspect's psychiatric evaluation remains a central hurdle for the ongoing legal proceedings.
What is confirmed
- Rev. Marek Pieńkowski was disconnected from a ventilator on October 4.
- A knife attack at the Benedictine Abbey in Jarosław left one priest dead and four people injured on September 24.
- Fr. Stanislaw was stabbed just minutes before celebrating Mass.
- A psychiatric assessment confirmed that 31-year-old Ihor M. remains unable to undergo interrogation or face formal charges.
- Fr. Adrian Mantykiewicz returned to the altar to urge forgiveness and reject blame against Ukrainians.
What to watch next
- Updates on the medical condition of Rev. Marek Pieńkowski and other survivors
- Decisions by Przemyśl prosecutors regarding the mental health status and potential arraignment of Ihor M.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.romereports.com — Priest Wounded in Knife Attack Prays for His Attacker's ...
- pollar.news — Priest wounded in Jarosław abbey knife attack taken off ...
- www.gaudiumpress.ca — Polish Priest Returns to the Altar After Deadly Abbey ...
- pollar.news — Jarosław monastery attack suspect remains unfit for charges ...
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Injured Polish Priest Urges No Blame on Ukraine After Attack
An injured priest who survived a deadly Thursday knife attack at a Benedictine abbey in the southeastern city of Jarosław has returned to deliver a homily, urging his congregation not to blame Ukrainians for the violence. Fr Adrian Mantykiewicz asked the faithful to respond to evil with love and to continue supporting Ukrainians who sought refuge at the monastery following Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Meanwhile, the priest killed in the assault has been buried in his hometown of Grzęska. Church leaders previously urged the public to avoid hatred while authorities investigate the motive.
Why it matters
The knife assault on the Catholic complex in southeastern Poland left one priest dead and four other people, including clergy and worshippers, injured. Presidents of both Poland and Ukraine condemned the initial violence. The survivor's appeal directly addresses potential geopolitical friction between local residents and refugees who arrived after the 2022 Russian invasion.
What is confirmed
- Fr Adrian Mantykiewicz, a priest injured in the attack at a Benedictine abbey in southeastern Poland, urged Catholics not to blame Ukrainians for the assailant's actions.
- The attack occurred on Thursday in the southeastern city of Jarosław and left one priest dead and four other people injured.
- The slain Polish priest has been buried in his hometown of Grzęska.
- Ukrainians came to the monastery following the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022 and received local support.
What to watch next
- Results of the ongoing investigation into the motive behind the stabbing incident
- Official updates from authorities regarding the identity and background of the assailant
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
- thecatholicherald.com — Injured priest tells Poles: ‘Do not blame Ukraine’ for convent attack
- www.polskieradio.pl — Polish stabbing-survivor priest returns to deliver a homily
- kyivindependent.com — Priest injured in Polish monastery attack urges public not to blame Ukrainians
- www.polskieradio.pl — Polish priest killed in abbey attack buried in hometown
- www.yahoo.com — Priest injured in Polish monastery attack urges ... - Yahoo
- en.apa.az — Germany’s Konrad Adenauer Foundation closes Tbilisi office
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Priest Killed and Four Wounded in Polish Abbey Knife Attack
A knife attack on the grounds of a Benedictine abbey in southeastern Poland left one priest dead and four other people injured. The victims include clergy and worshippers who were at the Catholic complex during the assault. Church leaders have urged the public to avoid letting the crime generate hatred. Meanwhile, the presidents of both Poland and Ukraine condemned the violence. Investigations into the assault continue as authorities work to determine the motive behind the stabbing incident.
Why it matters
The violence at the Catholic complex drew immediate international condemnation from heads of state in the region. Church officials moved quickly to quell potential social fallout by appealing for calm and forgiveness following the Saturday evening homily delivered by an injured priest. Security at religious institutions remains a focal point as investigators try to establish why the abbey was targeted.
What is confirmed
- A knife attack at a Catholic abbey in southeastern Poland killed one priest and injured four other people.
- The injured victims include both clergy and worshippers present on the grounds of the Benedictine abbey.
- The presidents of Poland and Ukraine condemned the violent assault.
Still unconfirmed
- Specific motives for the knife attack remain unconfirmed by investigators.
What to watch next
- Official statements from law enforcement identifying the suspect and formal motive.
- Updates on the medical conditions of the four injured survivors.
- Further church or state security measures announced for religious sites in Poland.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (6)
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- www.rte.ie — Priest dead, four injured in knife attack at Polish abbey - RTÉ
- newsbook.com.mt — Priest killed and 4 injured in knife attack at Polish abbey
- www.gdnonline.com — World News: Knifeman kills priest, injures four in attack at Polish abbey
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Injured Priest Preaches Forgiveness After Deadly Polish Abbey Stabbing
An injured Polish priest delivered a Saturday evening homily calling for love and forgiveness following a deadly knife attack at a convent in southeastern Poland. The stabbing incident at the Catholic complex killed one priest and wounded four other people, including clergy and worshippers. Church leaders have appealed to the public to prevent the crime from generating hatred. The attack drew condemnation from the presidents of both Poland and Ukraine. Motives for the assault remain unconfirmed as investigations continue.
Why it matters
The violent episode occurred at a religious site in southeastern Poland, testing diplomatic and social ties between Poland and Ukraine due to the nationality of the suspect. Church officials immediately sought to calm public sentiment to prevent anti-Ukrainian backlash. The tragedy brings immediate security concerns for religious complexes and houses of worship in the region.
What is confirmed
- A knife attack at a Catholic complex and Benedictine abbey in southeastern Poland killed a priest and injured four other people, including clergy and worshippers.
- An injured Polish priest delivered a Saturday evening homily calling for love and forgiveness while wearing a bandage around his bruised head.
- The presidents of Poland and Ukraine condemned the fatal stabbing, and Church leaders appealed for the crime not to fuel hatred.
Still unconfirmed
- The attacker was a 31-year-old Ukrainian man who possessed two passports and may have fought in Ukraine.
- Two of the injured victims remained in critical condition following the assault during Mass.
What to watch next
- Official findings on the motive behind the abbey knife attack
- Updates on the medical condition of the remaining injured victims
- Further statements from Polish and Ukrainian authorities regarding the suspect
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.ewtnnews.com — Injured Polish priest urges ‘love,’ ‘forgiveness’ after deadly knife attack on convent
- catholicreview.org — Polish, Ukrainian presidents condemn fatal stabbing of priest at Polish abbey by Ukrainian man
- www.straitstimes.com — Knife attack at Polish abbey kills priest and injures four
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Knifeman kills priest, injures four in Polish abbey attack
A Ukrainian man killed a Polish priest and injured four others in a knife attack at a Benedictine abbey in Jaroslaw, southern Poland, on September 22, 2026. The suspect, reportedly 31 years old, had two passports and may have fought in Ukraine. The attack occurred during Mass, with two victims remaining in critical condition.
Why it matters
The attack has heightened tensions between Poland and Ukraine, with Polish authorities investigating the motives behind the stabbing. The incident has raised concerns about security and the integration of Ukrainian refugees in Poland.
What is confirmed
- A priest was killed and four people injured in a knife attack at a Benedictine abbey in Jaroslaw, Poland.
- The suspect is a 31-year-old Ukrainian man.
- The attack occurred during Mass on September 22, 2026.
- Two victims remain in critical condition.
- The suspect had two passports and may have fought in Ukraine.
Still unconfirmed
- The suspect's motives are still unclear.
What to watch next
- The investigation into the attack and the suspect's motives.
- The impact on Poland-Ukraine relations.
- Any potential security measures to prevent similar incidents.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (22)
- The New York Times — Stabbing in Poland Leaves Priest Dead and Adds to Tension With Ukraine
- People.com — Priest Killed and 4 Others Injured in Monastery Knife Attack During Mass: ‘Total Panic’
- Reuters — Knifeman kills priest, injures four in attack at Polish abbey
- TVP World — 'He simply started killing': Priest dead after stabbing at Polish convent
- Al Jazeera — Ukrainian knifeman kills one, wounds four at abbey in Poland
- BBC — Priest killed and four injured in knife attack at Polish abbey
- Українська правда — Zelenskyy on attack by Ukrainian at Polish monastery: We are shaken by this evil
- Newser — Priest Killed, 4 Others Hurt After Knife Attack at Monastery
- The Pillar — Polish archbishop urges prayer after priest dies following abbey knife attack
- Crux | Taking the Catholic Pulse — Stabbing at Catholic convent in Poland leaves 1 person dead and 4 wounded
- Hungarian Conservative — Suspect in Polish Abbey Stabbing Reportedly Fought in Ukraine, Had Two Passports
- www.globalbankingandfinance.com — Kazakh Military Personnel Die in Naval Exercise Tragedy, 12 Dead
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