Sydney Church Stabbing: Police Label Attack as Terrorist Act

A brutal knife attack during a live-streamed church service in Sydney has been labeled a religiously motivated 'terrorist' act by Australian police. The incident occurred at an Assyrian Christian church in western Sydney, where a 16-year-old suspect rushed the dais and stabbed the bishop who was giving a sermon. The bishop sustained injuries to the head and chest and was hospitalized. The attacker, subdued by congregants, is now in police custody.

The police commissioner declared the attack a terrorist incident, citing religiously motivated extremism. Although the suspect was known to police, he was not on any terror watchlists. The head of Australia's spy agency stated that the suspect acted alone, indicating no immediate need to raise the country's terror threat level.

Three additional individuals were treated for non-stab wounds, and around 30 more received medical attention after a riot broke out outside the church. Protestors clashed with riot police for three hours, resulting in damage to police vehicles and houses. One officer sustained injuries during the confrontation.

The suspect, initially reported as 15 years old, is now being held at an undisclosed location and is believed to have sustained knife injuries. The situation remains under investigation as authorities work to ensure the safety and security of the community.