Sydney, Australia – A bishop and several others were reportedly stabbed during a church service in Sydney, Australia, in what authorities have termed a “terrorist act.” This incident occurred just two days after a mass stabbing at a busy shopping mall in the city.
Video footage of the attack at Christ The Good Shepherd Church in western Sydney showed a clergyman being assaulted during a ceremony, prompting immediate intervention from several individuals present. A 15-year-old boy was restrained by members of the public at the scene, and subsequently arrested by New South Wales police.
Fortunately, none of the victims sustained life-threatening injuries. A 53-year-old man suffered cuts to his head, while a 39-year-old man, who tried to intervene, incurred cuts and a shoulder wound. Both individuals were treated by paramedics and transported to a local hospital for further care.
The bishop who was stabbed, identified as Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, displayed remarkable compassion towards his attacker despite his injuries. Charbel Saliba, Deputy Mayor of Fairfield City, recounted how the bishop extended forgiveness to the man who stabbed him in a moment of crisis.
In the aftermath of the incident, chaos erupted outside the church with reports of people throwing objects at police cars and causing damage to property. Several police officers were injured, and police vehicles were vandalized during the commotion.
Chris Minns, the Premier of New South Wales, expressed his concern over the disturbing events and emphasized the importance of remaining calm and cooperative with law enforcement and emergency services. He later convened a meeting with faith leaders from various communities in Western Sydney to address the situation.
These events unfolded shortly after a separate stabbing attack in Bondi Junction, where six individuals lost their lives and several others were injured. Authorities suspect that the attacker in that incident, Joel Cauchi, may have specifically targeted women, as five of the victims were women.
As investigations continue and the community grapples with these tragic events, authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of the public. The incidents have shaken the city of Sydney and prompted discussions on security measures and community cohesion moving forward.