Australian authorities 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, where a bishop, a priest, and several churchgoers were assaulted. A 16-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the incident.
Police have reported that at least four individuals sustained “non-life-threatening” injuries during the attack, including the assailant, who was also injured in the altercation.
The incident unfolded in the suburb of Wakeley and was captured on a church livestream, sparking unrest in the local community. Graphic videos of the attack circulated widely on social media, leading to a gathering of hundreds of people outside the church. Clashes between the crowds and police ensued, resulting in injuries to two officers and significant property damage.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned the attack as “disturbing,” emphasizing that Australia is a nation that upholds peace and rejects violent extremism. He urged the public not to take matters into their own hands and emphasized the importance of allowing law enforcement agencies to handle the situation.
New South Wales (NSW) Police Commissioner Karen Webb provided updates on the condition of the victims, stating that the bishop and priest were undergoing surgery and were fortunate to be alive. The assailant reportedly made religiously motivated comments before the attack, targeting both the parishioners present and those watching online.
While the suspect is known to police, he was not on any terror watch list. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the incident and any potential accomplices.
The stabbing comes amid heightened tensions following a separate stabbing incident at a Sydney shopping centre, which claimed the lives of seven individuals. NSW state premier Chris Minns called for calm in the wake of the attacks, emphasizing the need to support the police investigation and denouncing any retaliatory violence.
The Wakeley neighbourhood, where the church is located, is home to a significant Christian Assyrian community, many of whom have fled persecution and conflict in Iraq and Syria. Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, one of the victims of the attack, is a prominent figure in the community, known for his advocacy and leadership.
As authorities continue to investigate the incident and address community concerns, there is a unified call for peace and solidarity in the face of violence.
