Australian police have declared Monday’s stabbing at a Sydney church a religiously motivated “terrorist act”. A 16-year-old boy was arrested after a bishop, a priest, and churchgoers were attacked during mass at the Assyrian Christ The Good Shepherd Church. At least four people suffered “non-life-threatening” injuries, police say. The attacker was also hurt.
The incident was captured on a church livestream and quickly triggered unrest in the suburb of Wakeley. Hundreds of people gathered outside the Assyrian Orthodox Church, about 35km southwest of the city center, and clashed with police. Two officers were injured, one with a broken jaw after being hit with a brick and fence paling. Twenty police vehicles were damaged, with 10 left unusable.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has convened an emergency meeting of national security agencies, calling the attack “disturbing.” “We’re a peace-loving nation… There’s no place for violent extremism.” Authorities are concerned about the role of social media, including the publication of harmful videos, particularly for younger people.
Speaking to media, New South Wales (NSW) Police Commissioner Karen Webb said the bishop and priest were undergoing surgery and are “lucky to be alive.” The bishop, Mar Mari Emmanuel, is a popular and controversial figure known for his social media sermons.
Australian police define terror offenses as ideologically motivated. Investigations are ongoing, but police believe this is a case of religious extremism. The suspect allegedly made religiously centered comments before the attack, which was intended to intimidate parishioners both in person and online.
The incident comes shortly after a separate stabbing at a Sydney shopping center that left seven people dead, causing heightened anxiety in the community. Authorities are urging calm and conducting investigations to ensure the safety and security of all residents.