Australian police are investigating the stabbing of a church bishop and priest during a livestreamed mass as a terrorist incident. The attack occurred at the Assyrian Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley outside of Sydney and the suspect, a 16-year-old male, remains in custody. The livestream showed the suspect approaching Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel and stabbing him in the chest. Churchgoers rushed to help the bishop as the suspect continued his attack. There were 7 injuries resulting from the incident, including police officers, and 20 police vehicles were damaged while responding to the scene.
The teen suspect in the church attack had a criminal history, including possession of a switchblade knife and other offenses, but was not on a terror watch list. Despite this, the police believe the attack was motivated by religious extremism. Bishop Emmanuel, who has a strong social media following and is vocal on a number of issues, including Gaza and COVID-19 restrictions, is described as stable and improving. The church released a statement detailing the attack, explaining that the suspect approached the lectern with a concealed knife and assaulted both the bishop and another parish priest before being apprehended by faithful sitting nearby.
The incident comes on the heels of a deadly stabbing spree at a mall in Sydney, where six people were killed. The church attack has sparked anger in the community, with an angry crowd gathering at the church and throwing bricks and bottles at police, who then barricaded the suspect inside the church for his own safety. Despite being known to police, the suspect had not been monitored as a potential terrorist threat. The attack has raised concerns about security measures and the handling of individuals with violent tendencies, prompting a review of current protocols.
Police Commissioner Karen Webb declared the church stabbing a terrorist incident after examining all available evidence. The suspect had been released on a good behavior bond after a court appearance in January for various offenses. The incident has highlighted the need for increased vigilance and improved communication between law enforcement agencies to prevent future attacks. The community has come together to support the church and its leadership, with messages of solidarity and well wishes pouring in from around the world. The Australian government has pledged to take action to ensure the safety and security of its citizens in the wake of these tragic events.
In the aftermath of the attack, the church has reiterated its commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for worshippers and community members. The bishop and priest targeted in the attack have expressed their forgiveness and compassion for the suspect, calling for unity and understanding in the face of violence. The incident has served as a reminder of the need for increased awareness of the potential for extremist acts and the importance of preemptive measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. The resiliency and unity of the community in the wake of this tragedy have been a source of strength and hope for many.
