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.
Gunman shot himself and wasn't killed by officer, chief says
Golriz Ghahraman's law career at risk if convicted, professor says
Labour leader Chris Hipkins calls for a ceasefire in Israel Gaza conflict
Police warn King Charles that his planned 2,000
Canada's Trudeau says he often mulls quitting his 'crazy job' but will stay on
Watch live: PM Christopher Luxon talks to media in Auckland
More than 350 school building projects under review, Ministry of Education documents show
Seattle Storm become 2nd WNBA team to open their own practice facility
Wellington City Council seeks feedback on its 10
US deports about 50 Haitians to nation hit with gang violence, ending monthslong pause in flights
School camp bus breaks down, then catches fire while being towed