Australian Police Classify Sydney Church Stabbing as Religious “Terrorist Act”
Authorities in Australia have labeled Monday’s stabbing at a Sydney church as a religiously motivated “terrorist act.” A 16-year-old boy was apprehended after a bishop, a priest, and members of the congregation were attacked during mass at the Assyrian Christ The Good Shepherd Church.
At least four individuals sustained “non-life-threatening” injuries, including the assailant. The incident, captured on a church livestream, sparked unrest in the Wakeley suburb.
Australian law enforcement defines terrorism as actions driven by ideological motives. While investigations are ongoing, authorities assert this incident stems from religious extremism.
Authorities have refrained from disclosing the religion of the alleged attacker.
Identified as Father Isaac Royel and Mar Mari Emmanuel, the priest and bishop, respectively, are figures of significance within the church community. Bishop Emmanuel, ordained in 2011, is known for his influential and contentious sermons, garnering millions of social media views.
The dissemination of graphic footage depicting the attack and its aftermath prompted outrage, drawing a crowd to the Assyrian Orthodox Church on Monday night. Confrontations between the angered crowd and police guarding the church ensued, resulting in injuries to officers and significant property damage.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese convened an emergency meeting of national security agencies, denouncing the attack as “disturbing.” He emphasized Australia’s commitment to peace and condemned violent extremism, urging against vigilante actions.
New South Wales (NSW) Police Commissioner Karen Webb reported that both the bishop and priest underwent surgery and are fortunate to be alive. The assailant allegedly made religiously charged remarks to the bishop before the attack, aiming to intimidate both attendees and online viewers.
Though the suspect acted alone and was known to police, he was not on any terror watchlist.
State Premier Chris Minns disclosed the assailant’s prior involvement in knife-related incidents, including an episode at school in 2020. The suspect is currently undergoing surgery for injuries sustained during the altercation.
The incident adds to recent tensions following an unrelated stabbing at a Sydney shopping center, which resulted in seven fatalities. Mr. Minns acknowledged community anxiety, urging calm and unity in the face of adversity.
1 / 2