Authorities to Investigate Possible Connection Between Church Stabbing and Gaza Conflict

Any connection to the conflict in Gaza will be investigated as authorities delve into the terror attack on a Christian bishop and other church attendees in Western Sydney, as mentioned by the leader of the Australian domestic intelligence agency.

The attack occurred on Monday evening (April 15) when Assyrian church leader Mar Mari Emmanuel and at least three parishioners were stabbed during a livestream service at the Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley suburb.

The alleged assailant, a 16-year-old male, is believed to be a recent convert to Islam, although this information has not been confirmed by the police yet.

The livestream footage captured the alleged attacker shouting “Allah Akbar” as he attacked the church leader multiple times in the upper body.

Additional videos circulating on social media show the teenager speaking in Arabic to individuals nearby, with a rough translation indicating, “If you didn’t insult my prophet, I wouldn’t be here.”

The head of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), Mike Burgess, affirmed that this would be part of the investigation.

“We are aware of the comments made by the attacker,” he stated during a press conference in Canberra on April 16. “Further investigation is needed to understand the reasons behind the attacker’s actions.”

When asked if the conflict in Gaza could lead to similar incidents, Mr. Burgess mentioned, “The events in the Middle East definitely have an impact in Australia. However, we have not seen them directly incite individuals to commit acts of terror so far.”

“We are approaching this case with an open mind and will continue the investigation to determine our conclusions.”

The attack coincided with escalating tensions in Gaza following Iran’s recent attack on Israel.

Tehran faced international criticism after launching approximately 350 rockets, 170 drones, and over 30 cruise missiles at Israel on April 14. The majority of these missiles were intercepted by the Israeli Defence Force’s defense systems.

‘Ideologically Motivated’

Mr. Burgess explained that for an incident to be classified as a terrorist act, there must be indications or evidence suggesting religious or ideological motivation.

This was not the case with the stabbing at Bondi Junction on April 13, where the attacker was confirmed to have a mental illness, he pointed out.

“Based on the information available to us and the police, it strongly appears to be the case. Hence, it was deemed an act of terrorism.”

“However, we are being cautious to ensure that there are no threats to security. At present, we have not identified any such threats.”

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw stated that a thorough investigation is ongoing and that they are attributing the act to be religiously motivated violence.

Mr. Kershaw also criticized the riot that followed the stabbing incident, involving hundreds of community members.

“I must emphasize that the behavior of the community members attacking the police at the scene was disgraceful,” he remarked.

“My support goes out to the NSW police commissioner and the NSW police officers tasked with safeguarding the community. It was truly disheartening to witness such events last night.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed that it would be a challenging day.

“My thoughts are with the Assyrian community, particularly on this day,” he added.