Australian police have apprehended a man believed to be responsible for a violent attack at Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley, a suburb in southwest Sydney. The incident occurred during a live-streamed Mass on Monday night, where a church leader and multiple parishioners were stabbed.
Authorities were alerted to the situation at around 7:10 p.m. when reports of multiple stabbings surfaced. The New South Wales Police swiftly responded to the scene on Welcome Street and took the male suspect into custody for questioning. Fortunately, the victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries and received immediate medical attention on-site before being transferred to a hospital for further treatment.
The church's live stream captured the harrowing moment when the assailant, armed with an unidentified object, approached Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel at the altar and proceeded to stab him in the chest. Chaos ensued as worshippers reacted to the sudden violence, with Bishop Emmanuel collapsing to the ground as the attack persisted.
Bishop Emmanuel, a prominent figure within the Assyrian Orthodox community, leads a conservative sect of the faith. The incident has shocked and saddened many, with Faith New South Wales CEO Murray Norman describing the event as 'horrific.' Norman expressed deep concern for the bishop's well-being and highlighted the collective grief and prayers from faith communities in response to the tragic incident.
The swift action of the police in apprehending the suspect has been crucial in ensuring the safety of the churchgoers and addressing the aftermath of the violent assault. As investigations continue into the motive behind the attack, the community remains united in support of those affected by this distressing event.
