16-year-old boy charged with terrorism offense for knife attack on Sydney Assyrian Church bishop during at a church service, the Australian police announced today, while the investigation into the riot that broke out after the attack continues, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
Police from the Joint Counter-Terrorism Team questioned the juvenile perpetrator, who is recovering in hospital under police guard, and charged him with an act of terrorism. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of life in prison.
He has been refused bail and is expected to appear before a judge today, NSW State Police said. The information was given by Commissioner Karen Webb at a press conference.
Police say the bishop was stabbed as many as six times, and the boy traveled an hour and a half to get to the church from his home, Commissioner Webb said.
Soon after the attack on Bishop Mar Marie Emanuel, a riot broke out outside the church after an angry crowd demanded that the suspected attacker be handed over to them. More than 50 police officers were injured, and 20 police cars – damaged.
The 53-year-old bishop has a large youth following on TikTok, but is also subject to criticism, hate and attacks from online trolls. His sermons range from passages of the Bible to fiery criticisms of homosexuality, covid vaccines, Islam and the election of Joe Biden as President of the United States.
In an audio message on social media yesterday, Bishop Emmanuel said he has forgiven his attacker and is recovering quickly.
Two knife attacks in three days – at a mall near Bondi Beach, where six people were killed on Saturday, and at the Assyrian Church in Sydney's west on Monday, shocked residents of Australia's most populous city.
The incidents have sparked calls for greater public safety in Australia, where gun crime and knife attacks are rare due to strict laws.
The mall is reopening today, and a candlelight vigil will be held on Sunday in memory of the victims there. The striker – Joel Cauchi, 40, was fatally shot by police at the mall.