In a shocking turn of events, Australian police have labelled the recent knife attack at an Assyrian church in Sydney as a terrorist act, attributing it to suspected religious extremism.
The assault, which occurred during a live-streamed service, left four individuals injured, including Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel. The incident, taking place in the western Sydney suburb of Wakeley, sparked immediate clashes outside the church between law enforcement and a group of fervent followers demanding retribution against the assailant.
Amidst the chaos, a male teenager was apprehended at the scene by police, who were compelled to detain him within the church premises for his safety as tensions escalated outside.
New South Wales state Police Commissioner Karen Webb, addressing the media, stated that there were indications of religiously motivated extremism leading to the attack, prompting the declaration of the incident as a terrorist act.
Initial investigations suggest a degree of premeditation, as the attacker, armed with a knife, travelled a considerable distance from his residence to the church. However, authorities believe he acted alone in executing the assault.
The aftermath of the violence witnessed emergency crews attending to around 30 individuals, with seven being transported to hospitals for treatment. Additionally, several police officers sustained injuries during the clashes, and significant damage was inflicted upon 20 police vehicles.
This distressing event comes on the heels of another stabbing incident just days prior, where six individuals lost their lives and twelve were injured at a beachside mall in the Bondi area of Sydney. The consecutive attacks have raised concerns about public safety and the growing spectre of violence within the community.
Bishop Emmanuel, known for his global audience through live-streamed sermons, has courted controversy with his outspoken views, particularly during the pandemic, where he criticised COVID lockdown measures as "mass slavery."
As tensions continue to simmer, New South Wales state Premier Chris Minns has issued a stern warning against vigilantism, emphasising the imperative of upholding the rule of law amidst heightened tensions. The incident underscores the need for swift and decisive action to address the growing threat posed by extremist ideologies and ensure the safety and security of all citizens.
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