US: 2 dead, many injured in California church stabbing

ANKARA

Two people died and many had life threatening injuries in a stabbing attack on Sunday night at a church near the San Jose State University campus in the state of California, police said.

San Jose Police Media Relations said on Twitter that response units were at the scene of the Grace Baptist Church located at 484 E San Fernando St., responding to "a possible stabbing", noting that it is "an active scene", and asked people to avoid the area.

The police later confirmed that there are multiple stabbing victims, some with life threatening injuries, adding: "Two victims have succumbed to their injuries and have been pronounced deceased."

"For clarification, no church services were being conducted at the time of the stabbing. Unhoused individuals were brought into the church to get them out of the cold," it also said.

San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo confirmed at least two people died in the attack and police had the suspect in custody and wrote on social media: "Our hearts go out to the families of the two community members who have succumbed to stabbing wounds in the attack at Grace Baptist Church downtown tonight."

Liccardo, however, later deleted his tweet since he made reference to an ongoing investigation, and added that a police statement will be coming out shortly regarding the status of the investigation and arrest.

As of Monday 0025 PST (0825GMT), there was no further statement from San Jose Police Department yet.