Sydney: Bishop stabbed during sermon in church, second incident in 3 days

After the incident at Bondi Junction, another stabbing attack was reported at the Christ Good Shepherd Church at Wakeley on Monday. A bishop, along with several churchgoers were stabbed by an unidentified man.

Live stream footage of the mass, which went viral on social media, showed a man in a black jacket slowly approaching the church bishop, Mar Mari Emmanuel, while he was delivering a sermon in the church. He was stabbed multiple times by the attacker when others rushed to intervene and stop the attacker. 

Reportedly, around four people were injured in the incident. According to the New South Wales police force, all suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

The church bishop was rushed to the hospital. Bishop Emmanuel was famously known for his preaching during the pandemic.

A tweet on X by the NSW police force said that the officers have arrested a male and is currently under interrogation. The motive behind the attack is unknown.

The site is under strict probe as the forces are working closely with Fairfield city police area command for any further answers on the incident. The police have advised a strict restriction on crowds from visiting the site.

However, hundreds of people reportedly clashed with police in south-west Sydney after the incident happened. Riot police were called in to move the crowd gathered outside the church. 

Police cars were smashed by the violent mob. Officials said that they were still trying to restore order in the area. 

“A large police response is underway. Multiple police resources from a number of commands and specialist units attended” said NSW Police. 

State premier Chris Minns also urged the community to remain calm. Taking to X, he said, "Disturbing scenes tonight in Wakeley...My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and first responders who are working to keep us safe." 

"It’s important that the community remain calm and continue to listen and act to the directions of Police and Emergency Services," he added.

Joel Cauchi, 40, the man who went on a stabbing spree in the Westfield Bondi Junction complex, killed six people on Saturday. The stabbing incident had sent shock waves across the country.