Sydney, Australia – A 16-year-old boy involved in a stabbing attack at a Sydney church was previously charged with possessing a knife in another incident last year. The teenager, who remains unnamed, was granted a good behavior bond in January after facing court for the knife-related offense. This information comes to light as NSW Police investigate the recent stabbing incident at the church, which has been classified as a “terrorist incident”.
According to reports, the boy was found in possession of a flick knife last November and faced charges including being armed with a weapon with intent to commit an indictable offense. Despite being on bail, he appeared in court in January where his case was proven but dismissed with a good behavior bond. At the time of the church attack, he was no longer under any court-mandated supervision.
NSW Premier Chris Minns explained that the teen was not suspected of being radicalized and was not on any terrorism watch list. However, authorities are exploring all possibilities, including radicalization. The boy, who was known to police but not considered “well-known”, was arrested at the scene of the church attack after being subdued by church members. He also sustained injuries to his fingers.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb labeled the church stabbing as a “terrorist incident”, a statement supported by ASIO. The incident occurred during a mass service at the Assyrian Orthodox Church where Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was injured. The bishop underwent surgery for head lacerations, while a 39-year-old man suffered cuts and a shoulder injury while trying to intervene.
Following the attack, violent scenes unfolded as crowds gathered and damaged police cars, leading to injuries of two police officers. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities emphasizing the seriousness and complexity of the case. With concerns about community safety, law enforcement agencies are working diligently to uncover the motives behind the violent attack.