'Tragic': Catholic priest died after attack in church rectory in Nebraska

A Catholic priest in a small Nebraska city died after he was attacked in a church rectory early Sunday morning.

The Archdiocese of Omaha in a statement said Rev. Stephen Gutgsell was assaulted “during an invasion at the rectory” of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Fort Calhoun, Nebraska.

“The Archdiocese of Omaha is praying for Father Stephen Gutgsell," the statement read.

Fort Calhoun is located about 16 miles north of Omaha. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office in a statement confirmed that there was an "incident" at the church at around 5 a.m.. Police responded to 911 calls about a break-in and found an alleged attacker and an injured Gutgsell inside the church, the Associated Press reported.

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Officials did not immediately provide additional details, but they said a suspect was in custody and there is no danger to the public. Additional information is expected to be released later in the day.

The Archdiocese of Omaha said Gutgsell had been transferred to Nebraska Medicine, where he died from his injuries.

"Please join Archbishop George Lucas in prayer for the repose of Father Gutgsell, for his family and for the St. John the Baptist parish community in this tragic time," the statement said.

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Local outlet WOWT reported that the parish is closed for the time being. Archbishop George Lucas addressed members of Gutgsell's parish at a different location and gave mass.