Magdelenenkirche Bombed Four Times

The Magdelenenkirch was the target of an armed intruder and two bombing attacks last night, bringing to four the number of bombings at the church since the start of the present unrest. Only light damage was done, and no one was injured. Pending an easing of citywide tensions, the church will remain locked and occupied. Parishioners or others desiring entry should make arrangements with Father Hellendale.

"I was in the church when I thought I heard a movement in the tower," said Hellendale, describing the events leading to the bombings. "We've had four bombs now. I was in the church (last night) when I thought I heard a movement in the tower, so, naturally I went up to investigate. I found a man up there wearing a red armband. I asked what he was doing and he didn't reply, so I asked him to leave." Instead the intruder, who the priest could not positively identify, pulled a gun. "So I slipped down the ladder and set the bells ringing," Hellendale continued. (Detective) Sonnenkern and one of the sailors came running but when we went back up the man had gone."
 
It turns out that the armed intrusion was only the precursor to an even worse assault. While locking the building's heavy front doors as a precaution, Father Hellendale had a second visitor. "Just as I was about to close the doors a woman arrived," he said. "Haru Menna. Goodness knows what I was thinking but I let her in briefly. I didn't like her attitude at all so I asked her to leave after a minute and she did. I shut the door after her, turned the lock and came back into the church, and then I heard a tremendous blast."

The first explosion was apparently detonated outside the front doors, which bore the brunt of the force, although the tremors did cause some damage to the organ loft. The explosion was reported to the police. "About an hour or so later there was a second blast, right outside the rectory," Hellendale continued. "And this evening we've had two more blasts, mainly outside the doors and beside the tower. Since the second pair of blasts Sister Perpetua and I have been securing the church. We've heard shots too, close by, but I don't think they were directed at the church."

No arrests have been made in the case.