Australian police have classified the stabbing incident at a Sydney church on Monday as a religiously motivated “terrorist act.”
The attack occurred during mass at the Assyrian Christ The Good Shepherd Church, resulting in injuries to a bishop, a priest, and several churchgoers.
The perpetrator, a 16-year-old boy, was apprehended, and both he and the victims sustained injuries.
The incident, captured on a church livestream, quickly sparked unrest in the Wakeley suburb.
Authorities have confirmed that the attack is being treated as a case of religious extremism. However, they have not disclosed the religion of the alleged attacker.
Following the violence, a crowd gathered at the church, leading to clashes with police officers.
Two officers were injured, and multiple police vehicles were damaged during the confrontation.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack, emphasizing that there is no place for violent extremism in Australia.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb stated that the bishop and priest injured in the attack were undergoing surgery and described the incident as “intimidating” due to its timing during a livestreamed service.
While the suspect had previous encounters with law enforcement, he was not on any terror watch list. State premier Chris Minns confirmed the teenager’s history of knife-related incidents.
Authorities have urged calm and warned against retaliatory violence. They have also assembled a strike force to investigate the incident and address any potential rioting.
The Wakeley neighborhood, where the church is located, is home to Sydney’s Assyrian community, many of whom have fled persecution in Iraq and Syria.
Bishop Emmanuel, a prominent figure in this community, has previously been in conflict with the Assyrian Church and has been critical of COVID-19 restrictions and vaccinations.
Source-BBC
