CV NEWS FEED // The bishop of Rockford, Illinois is calling for prayers of peace and healing after an unidentified adult male went on a “senseless” stabbing spree in the city, killing at least four and injuring five others.
“I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the senseless stabbings in the last two days resulting in the loss of precious lives,” Bishop David Malloy stated on March 28. “I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers for all the victims and all those injured in these unprovoked acts of violence in the Rockford community.”
Malloy added that he extends his prayers and the prayers “of the entire Catholic faithful” in the diocese, which spans 11 counties.
“As we gather in the next few days to focus on the sacrifice of our Lord and celebrate the joy of the resurrection, we will surely ask God to comfort our brothers and sisters affected by these terrible acts and offer prayers for their recovery from injury and consolation in their grief,” Malloy stated.
He concluded, “We also pray most fervently that our communities can live in peace and security and that those whose hearts are hardened by violence, anger or hatred may find the help they need to turn away from acts of evil.”
According to FOX News, Rockford Mayor Tom McNamera said the “senseless” violence of the stabbings had “totally shaken” him.
Local police have taken the adult male suspect, 22, into custody, after he attacked “multiple locations” in Rockford.
In a news release, the police stated that the four deceased victims are a 15-year-old female, a 63-year-old female, a 49-year-old male, and a 22-year-old male.
