Sydney, April 15, 2024: A bishop is among multiple people allegedly stabbed during a church service on April 15 night in southwest Sydney, Australia.
The attack occurred at the Assyrian Orthodox Church, Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley, just after 7 pm (11:30 pm Indian time).
A video online shows a man approaching Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel at the altar and allegedly stabbing toward his head multiple times. Three worshippers were also injured in the alleged attack.
The bishop’s Mass was being broadcast online, reports abc.net.au.
The Guardian reported that hundreds of people clashed with police after the attack.
Police said a male was arrested at the scene and “he has been removed from the church and taken to an undisclosed location.”
Four people were injured in the attack, New South Wales Ambulance said.
A man in his 50s suffered multiple lacerations and has been taken to hospital in a serious condition, along with a man in his 30s.
A man in his 60s and a man in his 20s were treated at the scene.
They said those stabbed suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were treated by paramedics before being taken to hospital.
A video online appears to show Bishop Emmanuel being attacked, barely 48 hours after a stabbing attack in the city.
Six people were killed during the stabbing attack at a shopping centre in Sydney on April 13. The attacker was shot dead by an officer who confronted him on her own.
It’s not clear what the bishop was attacked with.
Members of the congregation were seen screaming and rushing to help the bishop.
A spokesperson for NSW Health said the bishop’s condition was critical but stable, and was being treated at Liverpool Hospital.
The hospital went into partial lockdown but people needing immediate care were able to access services.
The public were advised to avoid the area during the largescale police response which started just after 7pm.
Vision from outside the church shows chaotic scenes with a large crowd of people.
NSW Premier Chris Minn, who has been briefed by the police health departments, said his thoughts and prayers are with the victims.
“It’s important that the community remain calm and continue to listen and act to the directions of police and emergency services,” he said and added, “We are a strong community in NSW and it’s important that we all stick together, particularly in the face of adversity.”
Late on April 15 night, Minns met government officials and leaders representing religious communities in Western Sydney.
“We’re calling on everyone to act with kindness and respect for each other,” he said in a statement.