Sydney, Australia – A 16-year-old boy who was arrested for a stabbing incident at a Sydney church last night had previously faced charges related to possessing a knife, as reported by authorities. The teenager had been involved in an altercation at a Sydney train station last year, leading to his arrest and subsequent legal proceedings. Despite being on bail, he was ultimately given a good behavior bond in January after a court appearance.
Although the identity of the arrested boy is known by ABC News, the media outlet has decided not to disclose his name. The teenager had been accused of various offenses, including possession of a flick knife, following the incident involving other young individuals at the train station. The charges against him included being armed with a weapon with intent to commit an indictable offense, stalking and/or intimidation, and recklessly destroying or damaging property.
According to reports, the boy was no longer under any court orders or supervision by law enforcement at the time of the stabbing attack. NSW Premier Chris Minns emphasized that the suspect was not believed to have been radicalized and was not on any terrorism watch list. Police had stated earlier that the teenager was known to them, although not extensively.
The teenager was apprehended at the church after the attack and was subsequently treated for finger injuries at a hospital. The stabbing incident, which left a 53-year-old bishop with lacerations to his head and a 39-year-old man with cuts and a shoulder injury, was declared a “terrorist incident” by NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb. The swift response by law enforcement was necessary to investigate the crime comprehensively, according to Premier Chris Minns.
During a mass service at the Assyrian Orthodox Church Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley, the stabbing occurred, leading to injuries sustained by the bishop and another individual. Following the incident, violent scenes ensued as crowds gathered and damaged police cars, resulting in injuries to police officers. Further investigations are ongoing to determine the motives behind the attack and ensure the safety of the community.