SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – Australian Police have arrested a teenager after he was suspected of stabbing multiple church parishioners as well as a church leader.
The stabbing incident took place at Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley on the Southwest side of Sydney during a Monday night Mass, according to officials.
Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, along with multiple parishioners, suffered injuries during the attack.
The stabbing at the church comes less than a week after a man went on a stabbing spree inside the popular mall in Sydney’s bustling Bondi Junction.
This latest stabbing happening at the church triggered a near-riot that required hundreds of police to bring it under control, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
Graphic footage of the incident circulated across social media, showing the teen walking towards Bishop Emmanuel and then lunging at him with the knife.
Video of the aftermath shows the Bishop lying on the floor as members of the church provide aid.
The suspect, who has only been identified by his age, 15 years old, “sustained injuries to his hand as a result of his actions,” according to NSW Acting Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland.
Following the horrific incident, a large group of people gathered outside of the church, prompting more police to arrive at the scene.
“Police were in the process of conveying the young person from the church when it was identified a large group had gathered outside,” said Holland.
“A decision was made to retain the young person in the church for his safety.”
DeSoto Tribune Staff