A 16-year-old boy has been charged with a terrorism offence following an alleged stabbing incident at a church in western Sydney.
New South Wales police have confirmed that the teenager, who underwent surgery after the Monday night altercation, now faces serious legal repercussions.
Stay up-to-date on the latest news with The National Briefing – keeping you in the loop with news as it hits:
Counter-terrorism investigators conducted interviews with the youth at a medical facility before laying charges for committing a terrorist act.
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said police also alleged that the boy “had travelled for 90 minutes to attend the location” from his home address.
She also urged the community to avoid sharing misinformation on social media.
“The source of information should be from police and law enforcement and if people have concerns they should check our websites, socials and any other direct news from law enforcement about current information,” she said.
“If we have current credible information about a threat to the community, we will let them know. We will share that with the community.”
AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw said police completed search warrants and seized electronic devices at his home.
“He was charged with a terrorist act under section 101.1 of the Criminal Code (Commonwealth) 1995 which carries a maximum penalty of imprisonment for life,” he said.
“We target criminality not countries. We investigate radicalisation and not religion.”
The accused has been denied bail and is scheduled to appear before a bedside court hearing on Friday.
Earlier in the day, 19-year-old Dani Mansour appeared in court, charged with rioting, affray, and property damage linked to the incident following the alleged stabbing.
Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, 53, injured in the attack, expressed gratitude for their support yesterday.
Subscribe to The Briefing, Australia’s fastest-growing news podcast on LiSTNR today. The Briefing serves up the latest news and deep dives on topics affecting you, all in under 20 minutes.