Fairfield, Australia – Following an attack on a bishop at an Assyrian Orthodox Church in Fairfield, NSW Police are investigating the incident as a possible “terrorist incident.” The 53-year-old bishop, a member of the public, police officers, and the alleged attacker were all hospitalized in the aftermath of the incident.
After the attack, NSW Premier Chris Minns labeled the incident as a “terrorist incident” due to the “religiously motivated” language used during the alleged attack. NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb echoed this sentiment, declaring the stabbing as a “terrorist incident” early on Tuesday morning, with support from ASIO.
The incident took place during a mass service at Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley, where Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel sustained head lacerations. Following the attack, a 39-year-old man and a 16-year-old were also hospitalized for injuries sustained while trying to intervene.
In response to the incident, the NSW government held a meeting with religious leaders from various faith communities in Sydney’s west, where all leaders endorsed a statement promoting peace and calm. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also convened a national security subcommittee meeting following the alleged terrorist act.
Leaders from different religious communities, including the Anglican Church Diocese of Sydney, Buddhist Council of NSW, and Hindu Council of Australia, came together to condemn the violence and hate exhibited during the attack. They emphasized the importance of places of worship as spaces of peace and prayer, urging for unity against all forms of violence.
Additionally, Prime Minister Albanese urged the public to allow law enforcement to do their job and to refrain from taking matters into their own hands. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton also called for calm, emphasizing that violence is never the answer to disagreements.
The incident sparked violent scenes where two police officers were injured, police vehicles were damaged, and property was stolen. An “uncontrolled” crowd surge further escalated the situation, leading to a tense standoff between police and the mob. NSW Ambulance reported attending to 30 patients in the crowd, emphasizing the need for safety and security for all involved.
In light of the incident, religious leaders and government officials have called for unity, compassion, and respect across communities. They emphasized the need for support from all individuals, regardless of faith, in creating a safe and inclusive society.