An Australian counterterrorism force has announced the arrests of seven male teenagers who are reportedly associated with a 16-year-old charged with stabbing an Assyrian church bishop during a livestreamed mass outside of Sydney. The incident occurred at the Assyrian Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley.
According to police, the teens are believed to pose an 'unacceptable risk' to society and are allegedly involved in a religiously motivated extremist ideology. The New South Wales Police Deputy Commissioner David Hudson assured the community that there is no ongoing threat and that the recent arrests have mitigated any risk of future harm.
The 16-year-old assailant is now facing a terrorism charge in connection with the stabbing. Following the incident, seven individuals were arrested after 13 warrants were executed in Sydney and Goulburn by the Joint Counter Terrorism Team Sydney.
During the operation, which involved over 400 police officers, search warrants were executed in various suburbs in Sydney and Goulburn. Seven juvenile males were arrested, and five other individuals, including two adult males, are currently being questioned.
Authorities seized a significant amount of electronic material during the operation, and investigations are ongoing. The assault on Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel has been described as a terrorist incident by officials.
In a message posted on social media, Bishop Emmanuel reassured the public of his recovery and expressed forgiveness towards the perpetrator and those behind the attack. He is known for his leadership in a conservative sect of the Assyrian Orthodox faith and his active presence on social media discussing various issues.
