A Kentucky man faces first-degree assault and domestic violence charges after he allegedly stabbed his father during a church service in Bowling Green on Sunday.

Ethan Buckley, 21, allegedly told police he was “moved by the message” when he stabbed his 40-year-old father, David Buckley, several times in the neck during Hillvue Heights Church’s 9:30 a.m. service on Sunday, the Bowling Green Daily News reports.

Buckley allegedly told police he had thoughts of killing his father before stabbing him with a pocket knife with the intent of slashing his jugular vein for a quick death.

“It was an isolated incident between father and son,” Bowling Green Police spokesman Rick Bessette told the Daily News.

Witnesses told WBKO that the incident occurred in the middle of the congregation as the altar call was given, and believe the elder Buckley was attempting to pray with his son.

“Members of the congregation along with the on-site security were able to detain him until police arrived,” Bessette told WBKO.

At least four police vehicles, a fire trunk and ambulance responded to the scene, where witnesses discussed the attack.

“I was praying at the altar when I heard a commotion,” Brent Duvall said. “I thought it was someone going into cardiac arrest or a seizure. I found out it wasn’t that.”

Duvall said moments later he watched security tackle the younger Buckley to the ground.

“He was being very combative,” Duvall said, adding that church leaders calmly ushered the congregation out of the church. “They said the medical team and officers were on the way.”

“It’s scary, but in today’s society this can happen anywhere. I felt like the Lord was protecting us,” Alicia Bell said. “I’m glad that my family and I are OK, and I’m praying for anybody that was hurt.”

David Buckley was rushed to The Medical Center at Bowling Green and was still alive on Monday, though his exact condition is unknown, the Daily News reports.

Witnesses told NBC 26 that the men were not regulars at the church and said they were visiting from Arkansas. Ethan Buckley’s court records list a Bowling Green address but he has an Arkansas driver’s license.

Buckley was lodged in Warren County Regional Jail on a charge of assault, first-degree domestic violence, and could face up to 20 years in prison, if convicted, WBKO reports.

Buckley was arraigned on the charge Monday morning, when Warren District Judge Sam Potter set his bond at a half-million dollars and appointed a public defender.