NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb has this morning labeled the stabbing event in Sydney’s west overnight “a terrorist incident.”
Speaking at a press conference, Webb was joined by Premier Chris Minns who said: “To understand coming just days after the criminal activities in Bondi Junction, Sydney and NSW is on edge and there’s understandable community anxiety at the moment.”
At around 7 pm last night, a 15-year-old boy interrupted a church service at the Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley, before lunging forward toward prominent leader, Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel who was leading the faithful at the altar.
The service was being livestreamed on the Church’s Facebook and YouTube and before the stream was abruptly terminated – the boy could be seen making multiple stabbing attempts at the Bishop’s head and neck before being swarmed by the congregation.
Police say a man was injured while rushing to aid the congregation’s efforts. He and Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel did not suffer life-threatening injuries.
Police rushed to the scene and arrested the 15-year-old and had to barricade themselves inside the church as a large group of angry locals gathered outside.
One officer suffered a broken jaw as the crowd threw rocks and bottles at officers. In footage of the event, the crowd can be heard chanting “bring him out.”
The 15-year-old was removed from the church and taken to hospital under police guard. He has undergone surgery for injuries sustained during the alleged attack. He remains under arrest.
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.