Sydney church stabbing suspect is 15-year-old boy, police confirm
The suspect arrested after a Bishop and worshippers were attacked in a church in Sydney is a 15-year-old boy, it’s been confirmed.
The attack, just after 7pm local time on Monday at the Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley, was captured on camera as the Mass was being livestreamed.
Footage shows the moment a suspect walked up to the altar and attacked Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel as he was saying mass.
In the video, which Metro.co.uk has chosen not to publish in full because of how graphic it is, the knifeman can be seen stabbing his victim multiple times until the bishop falls to the ground.
Screams of horror can be heard in the background in the moments of the attack.
Police have since confirmed their suspect is a 15-year-old, who was arrested at the scene.
Officers were forced to hold him at the church in Wakeley, a suburb about 18 miles west of downtown Sydney, Australia, for his own safety after an angry crowd gathered outside and demanded the attacker be brought out.
Multiple worshippers sitting near the alter are seen standing up and hurrying in to help the bishop.
Several worshippers were also attacked by the knifeman. A man in his 50s, a man in his 30s, a man in his 20s, and a man in his 60s are among the victims – including a priest, Father Isaac Royel.
All four are being treated for lacerations, while the man in his 50s has been taken to Liverpool Hospital.
A statement from New South Wales Police said: ‘A police operation is underway in Wakeley, following reports of a stabbing.
‘Officers attached to Fairfield City Police Area Command attended a location on Welcome Street, Wakeley following reports a number of people were stabbed.
‘Officers arrested a male and he is assisting police with inquiries.
‘The injured people suffered non-life threatening injuries and are being treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics.’
The bishop was seen being wheeled into an ambulance on a stretcher, and was taken to a hospital.
Mayor of Fairfield Frank Carbone told Sky News Australia he believed he would be ‘okay’.
He added: ‘Bishops and priests they’re very very important in our community, they only preach love and peace, and to have this happen to one of them is horrific.
‘However I understand a lot of members in our community are really distraught but what is important is I believe that the bishop has been taken to hospital and should be okay.’
Fighting broke out outside the church not long after the attack despite the heavy police presence.
???? Update | Over 5,000 individuals have gathered outside the church, demanding the surrender of the assailant involved in today’s stabbing incident of Mar Mari. Riot police are on site, maintaining order. Courtesy of Chriscoveries. #Sydney #ChurchIncident pic.twitter.com/fuWbhCWpDk
— Rody Sher (@ZaainAnwer) April 15, 2024
More than 100 police officers were ultimately called in to deal with the unrest as crowds gathered outside, and two were taken to hospital with injuries. At least two men were pepper sprayed during the clash.
This comes less than 48 hours after the massacre in the Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday afternoon.
Six people were stabbed to death, and one victim, Ashlee Good, died protecting her baby.
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