Australian authorities have characterized Monday’s stabbing at a Sydney church as a religiously motivated “terrorist act.”
A 16-year-old teenager was detained for assaulting a bishop, a priest, and churchgoers during a mass at the Assyrian Christ the Good Shepherd Church.
At least four people, including the perpetrator, had “non-life-threatening” injuries. The event, which was seen on a church livestream, stirred unrest in the Wakeley suburb.
Officials have not revealed the religion of the suspected attacker
Although officials have not revealed the religion of the suspected attacker, investigations point to religious extremism as the motive.
Graphic videos of the attack emerged on social media, causing hundreds of people to clash with police outside the church where the attacker was receiving medical treatment. Two cops were hurt, and ten police cars were wrecked in the altercation.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called an emergency meeting to denounce the incident and urge against any violence.
Speaking on Tuesday, New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb stated that the bishop and priest were in surgery and called their survival fortunate. The suspected attacker, who is known to police but not on any terror watch list, acted alone and targeted the livestreaming site to instill panic.
The incident comes after a separate stabbing incident at a Sydney retail mall
The incident comes after a separate stabbing incident at a Sydney retail mall, which has fueled community concern. State Premier Chris Minns urged calm and cautioned against retaliatory violence.
A strike force has been established to apprehend those involved in the disturbance, with community leaders condemning the violence and supporting police enforcement actions.
The incident shook Sydney’s Wakeley area, which is home to the Assyrian Christian population.