Tensions increased after a startling knife attack on a bishop in Sydney, Australia, during a church service. The situation took an unexpected turn, resulting in an attack on the police. Here is an additional analysis of the events and motivations behind the attack on Sydney Police.
Attack on Bishop during Church Service
At the Assyrian Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Sydney, a 16-year-old boy attacked Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel with a knife during a church service. The attacker’s religious affiliation has not been revealed, and the true motive for the act is still unknown.
Police swiftly responded to the incident, treating it as a terrorist act driven by religious extremism. Officer Karen Webb of the New South Wales Police Commissioner explained that the attack on the bishop was classified as a terrorist act due to its religiously motivated nature.
The teenage suspect was captured by congregants and later taken into police custody. Tensions continued to escalate as angry Assyrians gathered and increased in number outside the church and demanded access to the 16-year-old. A few people turned violent, throwing objects and weapons at the police and the church.
Why did the Community Attack the Sydney Police?
The reasons behind the attack on the Sydney Police included heightened emotions and anger over what happened. Some began to target the police as tensions increased because the Assyrian Community believed the police were protecting the attacker. It’s crucial to remember that the officers follow the law, which calls for appropriately handling the matter.
Karen Webb criticized the attack on the police officers and described it as ‘unacceptable.’
How Did People Learn About the Incident?
The incident became widely known because it was live-streamed, which allowed Assyrians to witness the events that were developing in real-time. During one of the bishop’s live-streamed services, he received death threats, with the individual stating that he only had two weeks to live.
Location of the Incident
The attack occurred at the Assyrian Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley, Sydney, Australia.
Identity of the Boy
- The assailant is a 16-year-old individual.
- He is not on any terror watchlist.
- The teenager had appeared in court in January.
- He was found in possession of a knife during the attack.
Injury Report and Damages
- Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the attack, as did at least four others who were present during the church service. All injured parties, including the bishop and a priest, underwent successful surgeries and are in stable condition.
- According to reports, the attacker was also being treated by paramedics inside the church for injuries he had received during the altercation. The boy reportedly had his fingers cut by one of the Assyrian churchgoers.
- During the chaos, several police officers sustained injuries (one with a broken jaw) while attempting to maintain order and protect the church.
- Reports indicate that 20 cars were damaged, rendering 10 of them unusable.