A 16-year-old boy is in police custody after a stabbing at an Assyrian Christian church in Sydney’s west.
Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was at Christ the Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley on Monday night time .
A priest was additionally injured after attempting to intervene.
Here is what we all know concerning the alleged attacker.
What was his suspected motivation for the assault?
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb mentioned the assault had “a level of premeditation” and .
“We imagine there are components which are happy by way of religious-motivated extremism and, after all, the intimidation of the general public by way of that individual’s acts by attending that church whereas it was being dwell streamed, intimidating not solely the parishioners in attendance however these watching on-line,” she mentioned on Tuesday.
In a video that has been circulating, the alleged attacker referred to insults in opposition to “my Prophet” earlier than the stabbing.
Requested about these feedback on Wednesday, ASIO director-general Mike Burgess mentioned: “We’re conscious of these feedback … all the pieces else is open strains of inquiry to know why that particular person bought to the place they did.”
is thought for his outspoken views in opposition to COVID-19 lockdowns, homosexuality and non-Christian religions, together with Judaism and Islam.
“It does look like religiously motivated, however we proceed our strains of investigation,” Burgess mentioned.
Political and spiritual leaders have spoken out in opposition to the assault, calling for calm and urging individuals to not launch retaliatory assaults.
Does he have a prison historical past?
Webb mentioned the alleged attacker was identified to police however was not on a terror watchlist.
NSW Premier Chris Minns confirmed on Tuesday that {the teenager} had been discovered with a knife at college in 2020 and was positioned on a superb behaviour bond over a knife crime three months in the past.
Native mayor Frank Carbone mentioned it was very regarding for the group {that a} 16-year-old boy was allegedly accountable.
“There needs to be one thing mistaken when that occurs,” he mentioned on Tuesday.
Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel (proper) was stabbed on Monday night on the Assyrian Christian church. Supply: Equipped / Christ the Good Shepherd Church
Was the alleged attacker injured?
{The teenager} was restrained by members of the church and later arrested by police.
The weapon used has been described as a flick-knife. The blade is believed to have severed one of many attacker’s fingers.
He has since had surgical procedure and is underneath police guard in hospital, the place he’s anticipated to stay for the subsequent three or 4 days.
Had been different individuals allegedly concerned within the assault?
Burgess mentioned it appeared the attacker had acted alone.
“On the identical time, our job is to have a look at people linked with the attacker to guarantee ourselves there isn’t any one else in the neighborhood with comparable intent,” he mentioned on Tuesday.
Australia’s nationwide terrorism risk degree would stay at “possible”, Burgess added.
Readers in search of assist with psychological well being can contact Past Blue on 1300 22 4636.
Extra info is obtainable at helps individuals from culturally and linguistically numerous backgrounds.
