A 16-year-old Australian boy has been charged with “committing a terrorist act” after the stabbing of Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel during a livestreamed service at Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley, Sydney. The teenager, whose identity remains undisclosed due to legal reasons, was arrested at the scene and subsequently charged in the children’s court on Friday morning.
According to the police, the suspect traveled for approximately 90 minutes to reach the church, where he allegedly stabbed Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel around six times. The attack prompted a riot, with enraged followers of the bishop demanding the perpetrator be handed over to them. In order to ensure the teenager’s safety, law enforcement authorities were compelled to detain him at the church.
During the court proceedings, the accused did not appear, and his lawyer refrained from seeking bail. The defense attorney, Greg Scragg, informed the court that arrangements were being made for a forensic psychologist to evaluate the teenager’s mental state and determine the appropriate course of treatment. Scragg further stated that the boy had a history of behavior consistent with mental illness or disorder.
Investigations into the riot that ensued after the attack are ongoing. More than 50 police officers sustained injuries, and 20 police cars were damaged during the clashes with the crowd. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of public gatherings and the potential for violence.
Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, aged 53, is known for his popular presence on TikTok and has faced criticism, hate, and online trolling. His sermons cover a range of topics, from biblical teachings to controversial opinions on homosexuality, COVID-19 vaccinations, Islam, and the election of US President Joe Biden.
In a social media audio message released on Thursday, Bishop Emmanuel expressed his forgiveness towards his attacker and stated that he was recovering swiftly.
1 Response
This incident is a tragic example of the impact of online radicalization on vulnerable individuals. It highlights the need for increased awareness and preventive measures to combat extremist ideologies that are spread through online platforms.
In a similar case, I came across the story of a young man from my community who was radicalized online and attempted to carry out a terrorist act. Let’s call him John. John was a bright and talented student, but he became increasingly isolated and withdrawn over time.
John’s radicalization began when he