A 15-year-old boy has been apprehended by Australian police following a knife attack on a bishop and his followers at an Orthodox Assyrian church in the Sydney suburb of Wakeley. The incident, which occurred during a live-streamed service at Christ The Good Shepherd Church on Monday evening, has been declared a “terrorist” act motivated by suspected religious extremism. Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel and Priest Isaac Royel sustained injuries but are expected to recover.
The teenager was arrested at the scene and was temporarily held at the church for his own safety as an angry crowd of the bishop’s followers gathered outside. The situation escalated into a clash between the crowd and the police, lasting over three hours. Emergency crews treated 30 individuals for injuries related to the ensuing riot.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb stated that the suspect’s comments indicated a religious motive for the attack. She highlighted the premeditated nature of the incident, as the teenager had traveled to the location with a knife. Webb emphasized the fortunate survival of the bishop and the priest, describing them as “lucky to be alive.” Consequently, she declared the incident a terrorist act.
The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) and Australian Federal Police have joined state police in a counterterrorism task force to investigate potential involvement of others in the attack. ASIO’s director-general, Mike Burgess, stated that the evidence suggests the teenager acted alone, and there is currently no need to raise the country’s terror threat level.
During the attack, worshippers witnessed a person dressed in black approach the altar and stab Bishop Emmanuel and Priest Royel. The congregation managed to overpower the suspect, but a crowd seeking revenge later gathered outside the church, hurling bricks and bottles. This prevented the police from immediately removing the teenager from the scene. Over 100 additional police reinforcements were required to safely transport the suspect.
The injured bishop and priest are in stable condition, as confirmed by a message from the church on social media. The church also requested prayers for the perpetrator. Bishop Emmanuel has gained a significant online following through his livestreamed sermons, attracting a global audience.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the violence, emphasizing that there is no place for violent extremism in the community. He called for unity during this time. The attack occurred just two days after a separate knife attack in Sydney’s Bondi Junction, where six people were killed and several others injured.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, along with Christian and Muslim leaders, issued a joint statement urging calm and emphasizing the importance of kindness and respect. Minns also warned against taking the law into one’s own hands, stating that any attempt at tit-for-tat violence would be met with the full force of the law.
