Another incident of mass stabbing has rattled Sydney, Australia, mere days after a lone assailant took the lives of five individuals in a popular mall within the city. This time, the attack unfolded at Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley, Western Sydney, during a live-streamed sermon led by Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel.
The assailant, yet to be identified publicly, reportedly approached the bishop during the sermon and viciously attacked him with a knife, prompting panic among worshippers.
Reports indicate that four individuals sustained injuries in the stabbing spree, including the religious leader himself. The victims, all males spanning various age groups from their 20s to their 60s, have fortunately suffered non-life-threatening wounds.
Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene, with multiple police units and ambulance crews mobilizing for assistance. A police operation is currently underway, with authorities urging the public to steer clear of the area as investigations continue.
NSW Police have confirmed the arrest of a suspect in connection with the attack, who is currently cooperating with law enforcement inquiries. A statement released by the authorities assured that the injured individuals are receiving medical treatment from NSW Ambulance paramedics. However, the motive behind the assault remains unclear at this stage.
Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, known for his controversial views within the Orthodox community, had been delivering an Assyrian Bible sermon when he was targeted by the assailant. The bishop’s outspoken criticism of pandemic-related restrictions and vaccine mandates had previously drawn attention during the COVID-19 lockdown in June 2021. Despite his popularity, Emmanuel’s stance has fueled division among followers, with many of his sermons garnering widespread attention online.
This latest attack comes in the wake of a recent tragedy at Westfield Bondi Junction, where six individuals lost their lives in a similar stabbing incident. The perpetrator, identified as Joel Cauchi, targeted shoppers indiscriminately, primarily focusing on women. Australian authorities have ruled out terrorism in both cases, attributing the motives to mental illness.
Joel Cauchi’s father, Andrew Cauchi, disclosed that his son had a history of schizophrenia and expressed frustration over his romantic life. Despite the grim circumstances, there is currently no evidence linking the two incidents, underscoring the complexity of addressing mental health challenges and preventing acts of violence in the community.
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