Australian police announced today, Tuesday, that the attack targeting worshippers at an Assyrian church in Sydney on Monday resulted in four injuries and was classified as a "terrorist act." They reported that the injuries of the four individuals "are not life-threatening," noting that among those injured were the church's bishop and the attacker (aged 16).
The police reassured that the life of the Assyrian bishop "is not in danger," urging "angry parishioners to remain calm." New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb stated during a press conference on Tuesday that "after considering all elements, it was declared a terrorist act." She added that the investigation concluded that the attack was an "extremist act driven by religious motives."
Commissioner Webb confirmed that the suspect "is known to police but was not listed on any terrorist monitoring lists." Meanwhile, Australian Intelligence Director Mike Burgess commented that the attack appeared to be "an individual act" at this stage. He noted, "There is no indication of involvement from anyone else, but the investigation remains open," emphasizing that "there is no need to raise the level of terrorist threat in the country."
The attack occurred Monday evening at the Assyrian Good Shepherd Church while the bishop was delivering a sermon that was being broadcast live online.
