On Monday evening, a distressing incident unfolded in Sydney, Australia, as Assyrian Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was stabbed during a live-streamed mass at Christ the Good Shepherd Church in the suburb of Wakeley. This attack is the city’s second stabbing incident within a week and has deeply shaken the local community.
🚨#BREAKING: Police declare stabbing attack on Bishop Mari Mari Emmanuel a ‘TERRORIST INCIDENT’ after a young alleged Jihadi was captured on the Church’s livestream shouting ‘Allah Akbar’ as he stabbed the priest during last night’s service
More: https://t.co/pT6vJX1FHh pic.twitter.com/qXPAu0gGbE
— Avi Yemini (@OzraeliAvi) April 15, 2024
The attack prompted a large crowd to assemble outside the church, resulting in confrontations with police and damage to property. “Those violent pictures [from the live stream] are probably what caused the uproar in the community – people saw that, responded, and unfortunately, we ended up with a public order incident,” Holland explained.
Chris Minns, the Premier of New South Wales, urged for calm, stating on social media: “Disturbing scenes tonight in Wakeley. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and first responders who are working to keep us safe. It’s important that the community remain calm and continue to listen and act to the directions of police and emergency services.” During the subsequent incident, the church posted a statement on social media, “It is the Bishop’s and Father’s wishes that you also pray for the perpetrator. We also kindly ask anyone at the Church premises to leave in peace, as our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, teaches us.”
Full blown riot in Western Sydney outside the Assyrian Aramaic Church following the stabbing of Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel and multiple priests.https://t.co/droxcRT4D1
Video Credit: @Chriscoveries pic.twitter.com/Hy2tA0bfXz
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Bishop Emmanuel, a prominent figure within the Assyrian community, has been a vocal critic of liberal and progressive trends within Christianity. His sermons, often discussing religious doctrines and global affairs, have attracted a significant online following. His stance and teachings have made him an influential figure, particularly among Assyrians worldwide.
The incident is now being investigated as an act of terrorism, with religious motivations suspected. The New South Wales Police Force is conducting a thorough investigation, and further details are expected as the inquiry progresses. In the meantime, religious leaders and community figures continue to call for unity and calm.
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