SYDNEY (AP) — A 16-year-old boy accused of stabbing two Christian clerics during a Sydney church service has been charged by police with terrorism offenses.
Authorities said the stabbing was declared a terrorist act because of the teenager’s suspected religious motivation and that the boy traveled up to 90 minutes from his home to the Christ the Good Shepherd Church in Sydney’s western suburbs.
The teen spoke in Arabic about the Prophet Muhammad being insulted after he stabbed Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel and the Rev. Isaac Royel during Monday night’s Assyrian Orthodox service. He was later overpowered by parishioners, sustaining severe hand injuries.
“Yesterday investigators attended a medical facility to interview the alleged offender where he was charged with committing a terrorist act,” said Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw at a press conference Friday in Sydney. The offense carries a maximum penalty of imprisonment for life.
Dropping the ball: Jags hope to end decades of ineptitude when it comes to drafting receivers early
King Charles leaves hospital as Kate recovers at home
HKFP Lens: Artist displays 'overlapping memories' of Hong Kong and UK on film
Man hanging rainbow flag outside Destiny Church reportedly assaulted
Sanctions won't work on solving Russia
Telling the story of Taiwan beyond the cross
Why the Algarve has been named the top destination for a bargain break in Europe
Plane passengers rate their airline breakfasts
Barcelona fined by UEFA for fans making Nazi salutes, monkey gestures at Paris Saint
Body removed after violent attack at Auckland sushi shop
Justice Department ramps up efforts to reduce violent crime with gun intel center
Several arrested after brawl breaks out near Auckland harbour