Australian police: Sydney church attack was terrorism

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, on April 16, Australian police said the knife attack at an online service at a church in southwestern Sydney was an act of "terrorism" with religious motives.

Blocking off the scene of the attack. Photo: AAP Image/Reuters

New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb said the attack was being treated as a religiously motivated “extremist” act intended to intimidate people. Police have detained the suspect for questioning, who is not on a known terrorist watch list.

Suspect attacked bishop at ceremony. Photo: 9News

The service was broadcast live on YouTube and many were horrified to see police officers being attacked by angry people outside the church. People used whatever was available in the area, including bricks, concrete, and barricades, to attack police and police vehicles. Several police officers were injured and taken to hospital. The crowd destroyed 20 police vehicles.

According to Ms. Karen Webb, this is unacceptable and those involved in the riot will be questioned and arrested.

The incident comes just days after a knife attack left six people dead at the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre in Sydney's east.

SOUTH

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