Coptic Orthodox church attacked in Egypt

Jan.29,2014: In Egypt, a group of armed men on Tuesday afternoon attacked the Coptic Orthodox Church of the Virgin Mary in the "October 6" district of the governorate of Giza. Police responded to gunfire and one officer died in the shootout, while two others were injured. The residents were able to stop the car carrying the attackers and hand one over to the authorities. His accomplice was arrested a few hours later by officers. Both the attackers are active in the Islamic extremist groups. The Coptic Orthodox Patriarch Tawadros II condemned the attack and sent a message of condolences to the relatives of the murdered policeman. Fr. Samir Jerome, priest of the diocese of the district, said that security measures in front of religious buildings will be stepped up, as in the area there are several armed militias who want to destroy the peace .
Egypt has been hit by a wave of violence since the ouster of the Muslim Brotherhood by the government following the massive demonstration of 30 million people last June. The Islamists have branded Coptic Christians as supporters of the new military-backed government, accused of having launched a violent campaign against members of the Brotherhood.