A 16-year-old boy has been arrested following a knife attack at Christ the Good Shepherd Church in Sydney, an act declared as terrorism by authorities, amid widespread condemnation and ongoing investigations.
On April 16, 2024, a knife attack at Christ the Good Shepherd Church in Sydney, Australia, was declared a terror incident by the authorities. A 16-year-old boy was arrested for attacking a bishop, a priest, and multiple churchgoers during a service. The incident, which resulted in several non-life-threatening injuries, was livestreamed by the church.
The Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO) and local police are investigating, with the attack believed to be religiously motivated. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the incident, underlining a societal rejection of violent extremism.
The incident comes amidst heightened community concerns following a separate mass stabbing at a Sydney shopping mall. The New South Wales Police, aided by terrorism laws, are exploring the teen suspect’s potential associations, despite him not previously being on a terror watch list. Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing into another unrelated stabbing spree in a Sydney shopping centre by Joel Cauchi, which resulted in six deaths and multiple injuries.
The national terror threat level remains at “possible” and there are no indications of further threats in the community. The church has requested prayers for both the victims and the perpetrator, emphasizing hope and solidarity in the wake of the attack.
