Merrillville, Indiana
‘This is for all the kids’: innocent priest is assaulted
A byzantine Catholic priest was attacked last week in the sacristy of his church. Fr Basil Hutsko was alone in St Michael’s, Merrillville, after finishing the morning liturgy. The attacker jumped on him from behind, choking him and slamming his head on the ground. Before losing consciousness, Fr Hutsko heard the attacker say, “This is for all the kids!” – a reference to clerical sex abuse scandals in Pennsylvania and elsewhere. Fr Basil, who is in his 60s and not suspected of any abuse, suffered concussion. His attacker, who was wearing gloves and left no fingerprints, has not been found. “He’s a very dedicated priest and hardworking and in good standing. It’s just a random [attack] on an innocent priest,” said fellow priest Fr Thomas Loya.
