The New South Wales Police Commissioner, Karen Webb, has declared the stabbing incident at a church in Wakeley, Sydney, as a “terror incident.”

The attack occurred during a sermon at Christ the Good Shepherd Church, where Bishop Mar Mari was delivering a sermon around 7 p.m. on Monday.

The alleged attacker, reported to be a 15-year-old, was detained by police inside the church premises.

"Police must be allowed to do their job."

Australian PM @AlboMP speaking on last night's terror attack at a Sydney church. pic.twitter.com/NdBgjzngkn

— Ticker (@tickerNEWSco) April 16, 2024

Disturbing video footage emerged showing the detainee speaking in Arabic while on the ground.

Read more – Sydney church horror: Stabbing rocks Wakeley community

Translations of his words reveal a chilling motive for the attack: “If he didn’t swear at my Prophet I wouldn’t be here. If he didn’t involve himself in my religion I wouldn’t be here.”

Premier Chris Minns, in a joint press conference with Commissioner Webb, condemned the violent riots that erupted following the stabbing.

Over 30 individuals required treatment from paramedics due to the unrest.

The NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb has declared the church stabbing as a terrorism act. Let’s support NSW police in their investigation without running too much social media commentary. Let’s not have any retaliation anywhere. pic.twitter.com/PB6iewUBAo

— David Marler (@Qldaah) April 15, 2024

Full force

Minns issued a stern warning against vigilantism, stating unequivocally that taking the law into one’s own hands would be met with the full force of the law.

Commissioner Webb expressed deep concern over the violent nature of the riots, highlighting that more than 40 police cars were damaged during the chaos.

She praised the courage of the police officers who bravely intervened to protect the community, witnesses, and victims.

However, she lamented that these officers, who were simply carrying out their duty, were themselves targeted during the riots.

Regarding the stabbing, Commissioner Webb announced the establishment of Strike Force Petrina to investigate the incident as a terrorist act.

Thorough investigation

The New South Wales Police Force will collaborate with the Australian Federal Police and other Commonwealth agencies to thoroughly investigate the matter.

The riots also impacted emergency services, as revealed by NSW Ambulance Commissioner Dom Morgan.

Paramedics were forced to retreat into the church for their safety as they came under threat from rioters.

This forced six paramedics to remain holed up in the church for three-and-a-half hours, unable to leave due to safety concerns.