Sydney church stabbing declared 'terrorist' attack, eyewitness says attacker chanted 'Allahu Akbar' (WATCH)

Australian authorities have designated Monday's stabbing at a Sydney church as a religiously motivated "terrorist act." The incident occurred during mass at the Assyrian Christ The Good Shepherd Church, targeting a bishop, a priest, and churchgoers, resulting in a 16-year-old suspect being apprehended. At least four individuals sustained "non-life-threatening" injuries, including the assailant.

The event, captured on a church livestream, quickly led to unrest in the Wakeley suburb. Australian law enforcement categorizes this as a case of religious extremism, falling under terror offenses driven by ideological motivations.

While authorities have refrained from specifying the attacker's religion, an eyewitness reported hearing the assailant repeatedly shouting, "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar," in a viral video.

Videos of the assault circulated widely on social media, prompting an angry crowd to assemble at the Assyrian Orthodox Church. The situation escalated into clashes with police, resulting in injuries to two officers and damage to ten police vehicles. Paramedics sought refuge inside the church due to safety concerns.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese convened national security agencies in response to the attack, denouncing violent extremism and urging against vigilantism.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb revealed that the bishop and priest were undergoing surgery and emphasized their fortunate survival. The assailant, acting alone and not on a terror watch list, underwent surgery for injuries, the cause of which remains uncertain.

The incident occurred amidst heightened tension following another stabbing incident in a Sydney shopping center. NSW Premier Chris Minns appealed for calm, warning against retaliatory violence.

A dedicated strike force is pursuing those involved in the riot, with Webb affirming a commitment to arrest them.

The Wakeley neighborhood, home to Sydney's Assyrian community, saw Bishop Emmanuel targeted during the attack. Although prominent, his tenure has been marked by controversy within the Assyrian Church,

including suspension and establishment of a breakaway congregation. He has also been vocal against Covid-19 restrictions and vaccination efforts.