Sydney, Australia – Australian police have classified the recent stabbing at a Sydney church as a religiously motivated “terrorist act”. The incident occurred during a mass at the Assyrian Christ The Good Shepherd Church, where a 16-year-old boy attacked a bishop, a priest, and churchgoers. At least four individuals sustained “non-life-threatening” injuries in the attack.
The attacker was also injured during the incident, which was captured on a church livestream, sparking unrest in Wakeley, a suburb of Sydney. Australian authorities are currently conducting investigations into the attack, categorizing it as a case of religious extremism due to its ideologically motivated nature.
While the religion of the alleged attacker has not been disclosed, the church identified the priest as Father Isaac Royel and the bishop as Mar Mari Emmanuel. Bishop Emmanuel, ordained in 2011, is a well-known figure whose sermons garner millions of views on social media.
The violent clash that followed the attack drew a large crowd outside the church, with hundreds of individuals engaging in confrontations with law enforcement. During the altercation, two officers were injured – one suffering a broken jaw after being struck with a brick and fence palings – and 10 police vehicles were damaged.
In response to the escalating tensions, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese characterized the attack as “disturbing” and emphasized the nation’s commitment to peace. He urged people not to resort to violence and cautioned against taking matters into their own hands.
As investigations continue and the suspect undergoes surgery for injuries sustained during the incident, the community remains on edge. NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb assured that a strike force is actively seeking those involved in the riot, promising to make arrests.
The head of the NSW Ambulance denounced the actions of the crowd as “outrageous”, emphasizing the need for support for emergency responders. Meanwhile, the Christ The Good Shepherd Church appealed for calm and respect for the privacy of those affected by the attack.
The Wakeley neighborhood, home to a significant Christian Assyrian community, has been deeply affected by the incident. Bishop Emmanuel, a prominent leader in the community, has faced challenges within the Assyrian Church but is regarded as a respected figure among locals.