Sydney, Australia – A 16-year-old boy who was arrested for a stabbing attack inside a Sydney church had previously faced charges related to a knife crime and was placed on a good behavior bond just three months before the incident. The teenager, whose identity has not been disclosed, had been involved in an altercation at a Sydney train station with other teenage boys in November last year, where he was found in possession of a flick knife.
Charged with offenses such as being armed with a weapon with intent to commit an indictable offense and stalking/intimidation, the boy was on bail until his court appearance in January, where his case was proven but dismissed with a good behavior bond. At the time of the stabbing attack, he was not under any court orders or law enforcement supervision.
Although the NSW Premier stated that the teen was not suspected of being radicalized and was not on a terrorism watch list, New South Wales Police began investigating the incident as a “terrorist incident.” The stabbing took place during a mass service at the Assyrian Orthodox Church Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley, where Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was attacked and hospitalized for head injuries. Additionally, a 39-year-old man was injured while trying to intervene and two police officers were injured in crowds that turned violent after the incident.
New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb and ASIO supported the declaration of the stabbing incident as a terrorist act, emphasizing the need for a serious criminal investigation. Premier Chris Minns urged authorities to allocate resources to thoroughly investigate the crime and ensure accountability. The 16-year-old suspect was held down by church members and later hospitalized for finger injuries.
The community expressed concern over the incident, with efforts to understand the motives behind the attack and prevent similar acts of violence from occurring. The swift response from law enforcement and the resiliency of the church community during and after the attack were noted as crucial elements in dealing with such incidents. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the stabbing and ensure the safety of the public.