Authorities have officially classified the knife attack at a Sydney church as an act of terrorism. The incident occurred during a service at Christ the Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley, resulting in injuries to at least four individuals, including Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel.
Law enforcement apprehended a 15-year-old boy at the scene, necessitating his retention within the church premises due to safety concerns posed by a gathering crowd outside demanding his surrender.
This incident follows closely on the heels of another tragic stabbing at Westfield Bondi Junction, where six people lost their lives just three days prior.
NSW Premier Chris Minns, speaking with the ABC, confirmed the classification of the church stabbing as a terrorist act. NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb echoed this sentiment, citing the establishment of Strikeforce Katrina to investigate the event’s terrorism aspect.
Commissioner Webb emphasized the religiously motivated nature of the attack, citing the assailant’s actions and comments directed at the bishop during the livestreamed church service. While the teenager was known to law enforcement, he had no prior association with terrorism or inclusion on watchlists.
Videos of the incident, including the church’s livestream and eyewitness footage, corroborate the severity of the attack and the suspect’s motives, with statements made indicating religious grievances.
The investigation into this disturbing event underscores the ongoing challenges posed by religious extremism and underscores the need for continued vigilance in countering such threats.
