A shocking incident unfolded during a church service in Sydney, as a 16-year-old teenager allegedly stabbed Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel and the Rev. Isaac Royel at Christ the Good Shepherd Church on Monday night. The attack, which was streamed online, has left the community on edge, with leaders calling for calm and the church urging against retaliation.
The teenager was swiftly overpowered by the shocked congregation, but not before severe injuries were inflicted upon him. While reports suggest that the boy’s fingers were severed by parishioners, the police have not confirmed this detail. Video footage of the attack quickly spread on social media, inciting anger among some members of the community. An angry mob gathered outside the church, demanding vengeance and engaging in violent acts, including hurling bricks, bottles, and fence boards at the police. Chants of “an eye for an eye” and “bring him out” echoed through the crowd. Several individuals, including police officers, required hospital treatment as a result of the ensuing riot.
In response to the escalating tensions, the church issued a statement denouncing any form of retaliation. Police have increased security around mosques in parts of Sydney following reports of text messages circulating within the Assyrian Christian community, urging retaliation against Muslims. The largest mosque in Australia, Sydney’s Lakemba Mosque, has hired additional private security after receiving fire bomb threats.
The recent knife attack in a Sydney shopping mall on Saturday, which claimed the lives of five women and a male security guard, has further heightened public anxiety. The assailant, Joel Cauchi, had a history of mental illness and a fascination with knives. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has urged the public not to take matters into their own hands, emphasizing the importance of maintaining law and order.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb has declared the church attack a terrorist incident, granting police expanded powers to stop and search individuals, premises, and vehicles without a warrant. Webb cited the teenager’s comments and actions, which indicated a religious motive for the attack. However, she did not provide specific details regarding the nature of these comments.
In response to the spread of misinformation inciting violence, state police are urging social media platforms to shut down accounts posting false information. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns highlighted the detrimental impact of such misinformation on community cohesion, particularly among young people.
The teenage suspect remains under police guard in the hospital and has yet to be charged. Although he was known to the police, he was not on a terror watch list. Earlier this year, he had been convicted of various offenses, including possession of a switchblade knife, stalking, intimidation, and damaging property. The boy used a switchblade, an illegal weapon in Australia, during Monday’s attack.
The church has provided updates on the condition of Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel and the Rev. Isaac Royel, stating that they are in stable condition. The 53-year-old bishop, originally from Iraq, is reported to be improving. Bishop Emmanuel is known for his active presence on social media, where he engages with various religious communities and expresses his views on global political issues.
1 Response
Wow, this is truly a shocking incident! My heart goes out to Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel and the Rev. during this difficult time. It’s important to spread awareness about such incidents to ensure the safety of our communities.
I would like to offer my support by sharing this post on my social media accounts and website. By doing so, I hope to help raise awareness about this incident and encourage others to stand against violence in places of worship. Together, we can make a difference and promote a safer environment