Ax Attack Outside St. Patrick Church In Providence

A verbal argument inside the church turned physical, leading to an assault with a hatchet.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:23pm

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An extreme close-up of a blood-stained wooden ax handle, the harsh flash lighting creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic that conceptually represents the violent crime scene.A violent attack with a deadly weapon outside a house of worship raises alarms about public safety and the need for improved security measures.Providence Today

A 42-year-old man was repeatedly struck in the head with an ax or hatchet by a 28-year-old suspect named Jehvine Quaweay outside of St. Patrick's Church in Providence, Rhode Island. The two men had been arguing inside the church before taking the altercation outside, where Quaweay allegedly retrieved a weapon from his bag and assaulted the other man.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing issue of violence and public safety concerns in Providence, especially around places of worship. It also raises questions about the role of mental health and de-escalation in preventing such attacks from occurring.

The details

According to the police report, officers responded to St. Patrick's Church shortly before 4:45 pm on Monday after receiving a call about the attack. They found the 42-year-old victim with 'several open lacerations to the top of (his) head, which were actively bleeding.' Witnesses described the suspect, Jehvine Quaweay, as a tall man dressed entirely in blue, including a blue hat and shoes, who was carrying a bag that likely contained the hatchet or ax used in the assault. Police later apprehended Quaweay several blocks away, concealing himself between parked cars, and found a bloody hatchet or ax in his bag.

  • The incident occurred shortly before 4:45 pm on Monday, March 31, 2026.
  • Quaweay was apprehended by police shortly after the attack.

The players

Jehvine Quaweay

A 28-year-old suspect who allegedly struck the victim in the head multiple times with a hatchet or ax outside St. Patrick's Church.

42-year-old victim

The man who was repeatedly struck in the head with the hatchet or ax, suffering several open lacerations.

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What they’re saying

“The wounded man 'stated he has had problems with Quaweay in the past and wished t o press charges for this incident'.”

— 42-year-old victim

What’s next

Quaweay was arrested on charges of felony assault and disorderly conduct. The wounded man was taken to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment. Prosecutors will determine if additional charges will be filed against Quaweay.

The takeaway

This violent attack outside a place of worship underscores the ongoing challenges Providence faces with public safety and the need for better mental health resources and de-escalation training to prevent such incidents from occurring. Community leaders and law enforcement will likely examine ways to improve security around churches and other vulnerable public spaces.