Sydney, Australia – Australian police and New South Wales state premier Chris Minns have confirmed that the stabbing incident in Wakeley is being treated as a terrorist act. The incident, which took place during a Bible study session at Christ the Good Shepherd Church, left Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, Father Isaac Royel, and another parishioner wounded but with non-life-threatening injuries.
The shocking video footage of the attack, which went viral on social media, showed a 16-year-old male attacking Bishop Emmanuel before being subdued by church attendees. Paramedics treated the wounded on-site before transporting them to Liverpool Hospital. In the aftermath, tensions rose, leading to demonstrations around the church precinct where two police officers were injured, and several police vehicles were damaged.
Following the incident, leaders across Christian denominations and the Muslim community, including Archbishop of the Assyrian Church of the East Zaia Mar Meelis, Chaldean Archbishop Amel Nona, Maronite Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay, and Melkite Bishop Robert Rabbat, jointly condemned the violence and urged calm. Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney also emphasized the sanctity of worship and called for a peaceful response to the events.
Authorities believe the stabbing incident in Wakeley has elements of religiously motivated extremism. Police Commissioner Karen Webb stated that the attack is being treated as a terrorist act due to these elements. The community has been urged to not respond with fear or anger but with prayer and peace in the face of violence and fear.
This attack comes shortly after a separate knife rampage in Bondi Junction resulted in six fatalities. Police revealed that the assailant in that incident, who did not survive, had a mental illness and was not motivated by ideology. The incidents have sparked concerns about safety and security during worship gatherings in the region.