A 16-year-old boy is in police custody after a stabbing at an Assyrian Christian church in Sydney’s west.
Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was at Christ the Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley on Monday night .
A priest was also injured after trying to intervene.
Here’s what we know about the alleged attacker.
What was his suspected motivation for the attack?
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said the attack had “a degree of premeditation” and .
“We believe there are elements that are satisfied in terms of religious-motivated extremism and, of course, the intimidation of the public through that person’s acts by attending that church while it was being live streamed, intimidating not only the parishioners in attendance but those watching online,” she said on Tuesday.
In a video that has been circulating, the alleged attacker referred to insults against “my Prophet” before the stabbing.
Asked about these comments on Wednesday, ASIO director-general Mike Burgess said: “We’re aware of those comments … everything else is open lines of inquiry to understand why that individual got to where they did.”
is known for his outspoken views against COVID-19 lockdowns, homosexuality and non-Christian religions, including Judaism and Islam.
“It does appear to be religiously motivated, but we continue our lines of investigation,” Burgess said.
Political and religious leaders have spoken out against the attack, calling for calm and urging people not to launch retaliatory attacks.
Does he have a criminal history?
Webb said the alleged attacker was known to police but was not on a terror watchlist.
NSW Premier Chris Minns confirmed on Tuesday that the teenager had been found with a knife at school in 2020 and was placed on a good behaviour bond over a knife crime three months ago.
Local mayor Frank Carbone said it was very concerning for the community that a 16-year-old boy was allegedly responsible.
“There has to be something wrong when that happens,” he said on Tuesday.
Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel (right) was stabbed on Monday evening at the Assyrian Christian church. Source: Supplied / Christ the Good Shepherd Church
Was the alleged attacker injured?
The teenager was restrained by members of the church and later arrested by police.
The weapon used has been described as a flick-knife. The blade is believed to have severed one of the attacker’s fingers.
He has since had surgery and is under police guard in hospital, where he is expected to remain for the next three or four days.
Were other people allegedly involved in the attack?
Burgess said it appeared the attacker had acted alone.
“At the same time, our job is to look at individuals connected with the attacker to assure ourselves there’s no one else in the community with similar intent,” he said on Tuesday.
Australia’s national terrorism threat level would remain at “probable”, Burgess added.
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