Australian police say a brutal knife attack broadcast live during a service at a Sydney church was an act of religiously motivated “terrorism”, while calling for calm from angry local residents.
A prominent bishop is among those being treated for “non-life-threatening injuries” following an attack on Monday night at an Assyrian Christian church in Sydney’s west.
“After consideration of all the material, I declare this to be a terrorist incident,” New South Wales police commissioner Karen Webb said at a news conference.
Webb said the attack was considered an act of religiously motivated “extremism” that intimidated the public — both churchgoers and people attending services streamed live online.
“The suspect is known to police, but is not on any terrorist watch list,” Webb said.
Police who responded to the scene soon found themselves attacked by angry people outside the church, he said.
Also read: Stabbing at a Church in Sydney, 4 People Injured
“People used what was available to them in the area, including bricks, concrete, boards, to attack police and throw bullets and police equipment and police vehicles.”
The injured officers were taken to hospitals overnight, Webb said, without providing a figure.
The crowd damaged 20 police vehicles, he added.
“It’s unacceptable and those involved in that riot can expect a knock on the door. Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow, but we will find you and we will come and arrest you,” Webb said. (AFP/Z-3)
#Australian #Police #Determine #Stabbing #Sydney #Church #Act #Terrorism