Newark, N.J., Jan 29, 2017 / 09:33 am
What started as a Mass remembering a Latino baseball star and humanitarian quickly took a violent turn as an auxiliary bishop was assaulted at the Newark cathedral Saturday.
Newark Auxiliary Bishop Manuel Cruz was offering the opening prayers of the Mass when a man wearing a white robe over a red suit left his pew, approached the altar, and punched the bishop in the face, according to local news outlets.
The bishop fell backwards on the altar. He was taken to the hospital for treatment, although officials say his injuries are not serious.
A 48-year-old Newark man has been arrested and charged with assault, according to NJ.com. Officials did not speculate on a possible motive.