Wheelchair-Bound Preacher Stabbed to Death in Lyon, France

A wheelchair-bound Christian preacher, **Ashur Sarnaya**, was fatally stabbed in the neck while livestreaming on TikTok in Lyon, France, on **September 10, 2023**. The 45-year-old was attacked near his apartment shortly after 22:00 local time. Witnesses reported seeing an assailant dressed in dark clothing fleeing the scene on foot.

Emergency medical personnel arrived shortly after the attack but found Sarnaya in cardiac arrest. Despite their efforts, he could not be revived. According to local authorities, there have been no significant leads in the investigation, and the suspect remains at large.

Police stated, “At this stage, we are not prioritizing any theory; nothing points us in the direction of a solid line of inquiry, whether criminal, political, religious, or drug-related,” during a press briefing on **September 11**. They are examining Sarnaya’s social media activity as part of their investigation.

Background on Ashur Sarnaya

Sarnaya had been living in Lyon since **2014**, having fled from the **Islamic State** in Iraq. He was known for his active presence on social media, where he often shared his Christian faith and testimonies from others. His broadcasts were primarily conducted in Arabic. In a previous livestream, he expressed concerns about being targeted and harassed by some Muslim users, which occasionally led to his content being blocked or suspended.

In **March**, Sarnaya was reportedly assaulted by a group of individuals who identified as Muslims. His sister, who lived with him in their shared apartment for over a decade, recounted the moment she learned of his death. “I went out to do some shopping, and when I came home, I saw that all my friends had called me several times. They told me to go see what was going on. When I got there, he was dead,” she told **RMC BFM**.

Community Reaction and Legacy

The violent nature of Sarnaya’s death has shocked local communities and raised concerns about the safety of individuals expressing their beliefs publicly. A notable graphic showing his final livestream has circulated on social media, prompting warnings about its graphic content. His cousin remarked, “He spent his last moments doing exactly what he loved: spreading the gospel. In my opinion, he is a martyr, and his faith will always be an inspiration.”

Sarnaya’s tragic death highlights ongoing challenges faced by religious minorities in various parts of the world. The investigation into his murder continues, with police urging anyone with information to come forward. The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers faced by those who openly practice and share their faith.