Suspect faces charges for allegedly attacking priest at his South Philadelphia home

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — A man has been arrested for allegedly attacking a priest in South Philadelphia last week.

Basem Lama, of the 2400 block of South Phillip Street, is charged with aggravated assault, burglary, terroristic threats and related offenses.

The attack occurred the morning of Oct. 2 at the priest’s home across from St. Maron Maronite Catholic Church in the 1000 block of Ellsworth Street.

According to police, Lama kicked and punched the priest’s door and eventually made his way into the house around 9:30 a.m. Once inside, he attacked the priest and then ran away.

On Friday, Action News spoke with the victim, Father Andrew El Tadchi, who now walks with a cane after being attacked.

“I want to make it clear to everyone that South Philadelphia is very safe. It’s a safe area. This incident was targeted and is in the very capable hands of the police. I am confident that justice will be served,” said Father El Tadchi.

Despite the brutal attack, Father El Tadchi wanted to share this message: “Stay positive, love each other and be kind.”