By Rashid Haddou, Alexandra Svokos & Ibtissem Guenfoud

A Greek Orthodox priest was shot at a church in Lyon, France, at about 4 p.m. local time Saturday.

The priest, identified by French police as Nikolas Kakavelakis, was in critical condition, a spokesperson for the national police said. He is in care at a hospital, police said.

Philippe Desmazes/AFP via Getty Images

Security and emergency personnel are on the scene where an attacker wounded an Orthodox priest before fleeing in Lyon, France, Oct. 31, 2020.

A search was underway for the assailant. One arrest had been made, but it is unclear if the arrested person is the shooter, according to police.

MORE: France on highest security alert after terror attack

Two gunshots were fired from a hunting rifle, police said.

"An event is underway near the Jean-Macé sector, in the 7th arrondissement in Lyon," the French Interior Ministry wrote on Twitter early Saturday afternoon. "Security and rescue forces are there. A security perimeter has been installed."

Philippe Desmazes/AFP via Getty Images

A French soldier stands behind a cordon near the scene where an attacker wounded an Orthodox priest before fleeing, Lyon, France, Oct. 31. 2020.

Laurent Cipriani/AP

A woman walks past the Greek Orthodox church after a priest was shot while he was closing his church in the city of Lyon, France, Oct. 31, 2020.

The ministry added that people should avoid the area.

This attack comes as the nation is on high-alert after a terror attack at the Basilica of Notre-Dame in Nice this week.

French authorities are monitoring the Lyon shooting but have not qualified it as an act of terrorism.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Greek Orthodox priest shot at church in Lyon, France

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