A teenager has been accused of wounding a Christian bishop and priest during a church service in Sydney, in a second high-profile knife attack to rock the city in recent days. The incident, which authorities have declared an act of terrorism, occurred at Christ the Good Shepherd Church where the 16-year-old allegedly stabbed Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel and Fr. Isaac Royel during a service being streamed online.
Reports suggest that parishioners overpowered the teenager, with unconfirmed accounts stating that his fingers were severed during the altercation. Police confirmed that the boy sustained severe hand injuries. Video footage of the attack circulated on social media, leading to an angry mob gathering at the church, demanding retribution. The situation escalated as the crowd threw bricks and bottles at police, resulting in several injuries and hospitalizations.
Following the incident, New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb classified the church attack as a terrorist act, attributing it to a religious motive based on the teen's comments and actions. This designation enables law enforcement to allocate more resources to the case and grants them expanded powers for investigation.
The Australian Security Intelligence Organization and Australian Federal Police have joined state police in a counterterrorism task force to probe potential accomplices. The church attack stands in contrast to a separate knife assault at a Sydney mall on Saturday, which authorities have not classified as terrorism.
As investigations continue, a coronial inquest will examine the circumstances of the mall attack and consider policy changes to prevent similar incidents. The community is grappling with the aftermath of these violent events, prompting discussions on security measures and the arming of security guards.
Despite these tragic events, Australia maintains stringent gun laws that restrict public access to assault rifle-style firearms, contributing to the country's relatively low incidence of mass killings. The threat of terrorism in Australia is currently rated as 'possible,' with authorities closely monitoring the situation.
The church has reported that both the bishop and priest are in stable condition and has requested prayers for their recovery. Additionally, they have asked for prayers for the perpetrator involved in the attack. The bishop, known for his social media presence and outspoken views on various issues, is said to be improving following the incident.
