Emergency services respond after multiple people stabbed at Sydney shopping centre
Attack on a Bishop Declared as Terrorism
Monday’s attack on a bishop at a church in Sydney has been declared as an act of terrorism by the police. They have ordered social media giants Facebook and Twitter to remove the footage of the incident. The attack, which took place during a service at the Christ The Good Shepherd Church in the suburb of Wakeley, resulted in several injuries including the Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel. A 15-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the attack, sparking clashes between the public and the police outside the church.
Key Points:
- Community leaders call for calm
- ‘It does appear to be religiously motivated’
- Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel ‘a TikTok star’
- Facebook and X given 24 hours to remove footage of church stabbing
- ‘You are welcome here, you are welcome to stay for as long as you like’
- Arrested teenager’s hand injuries ‘severe’
- A city in pain following two stabbing attacks – in pictures
- What are law enforcement powers when investigating terrorism?
- Bishop’s health condition ‘improving’
Community leaders are calling for calm after a teenager wounded a Christian bishop and priest during a church service in a second high-profile knife attack to rock Sydney in recent days. The 16-year-old was overpowered by the shocked congregation at Christ the Good Shepherd Church after he allegedly stabbed Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel and Fr Isaac Royel during a service that was being streamed online.
The Australian Security Intelligence Organization and Australian Federal Police have joined state police in a counter-terrorism task force to investigate the religious motives behind the attack. The investigation has yet to uncover any associated threats, but the authorities continue to look into the attacker’s connections and intentions. The risk of a terrorist attack in Australia is currently rated as “possible” according to the National Terrorism Threat Advisory System.
Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, who was stabbed during the church service that was streamed on social media, is a well-known figure with a significant social media following. Despite his popularity, the bearded clergyman has faced criticism and online trolling. He remains optimistic, attributing the negative response to misinterpretation of his views.
Footage of the stabbing has rapidly spread on social media platforms, prompting Australia’s eSafety commissioner to issue a notice to Facebook and Twitter to remove the material. Failure to comply with the notice could result in fines for the companies. The online circulation of extreme and gratuitously violent material is a growing concern for authorities.
The Frenchman who bravely confronted the Bondi Junction attacker received warm praise from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Damien Guerot, dubbed the “Bollard Man,” confronted the attacker during the stabbing attack at Westfield Bondi Junction and has been offered support in his visa applications.
The arrested 15-year-old suspect sustained severe hand injuries during the incident, according to the police. Video footage of the attack showed the suspect approaching the altar before assaulting the Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel. Congregants quickly intervened to assist the bishop, leading to the apprehension of the assailant before the police arrived.
The city of Sydney has been shaken by the recent stabbing attacks at a church and a shopping centre, resulting in multiple casualties. Floral tributes have been laid outside the Christ The Good Shepherd Church and Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre in remembrance of the victims.
The declaration of a terrorist incident grants law enforcement agencies additional powers to investigate and prevent similar attacks. In this case, a counter-terrorism task force has been formed to scrutinize the background and associations of the attacker. The incident has been regarded as religiously motivated, with the suspect’s comments and actions supporting this premise.
The Iraq-born Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel’s condition has been reported as improving by the church. Known for his active social media presence and passionate speeches on various issues, the bishop has received both praise and criticism. His religious views and political activism have drawn attention in recent years.
