Sydney church stabbing attacker shown smirking in chilling footage

The attack on bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel has been deemed an 'act of terror' by NSW authorities.

Carly Bass
·Senior News Reporter
Updated ·2-min read

Chilling footage taken moments after a teenager allegedly stabbed a prominent Sydney bishop shows the suspected 16-year-old smiling and taunting a group of men attempting to pin him to the ground.

Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was attacked — alongside three other men — while delivering a sermon at a church in Wakeley, in Sydney's southwest, on Monday evening in what authorities have deemed an act of "terrorism," NSW Premier Chris Minns confirmed on Tuesday morning.

The terrifying incident was live-streamed with the accused teen, wearing a black hoodie, seen calmly approaching the Assyrian orthodox Christian leader before appearing to stab him multiple times. Worshippers then rushed towards the alleged terrorist — who has since been arrested — with videos showing at least three men, including a police officer, holding him face down on the ground.

FOLLOW LIVE UPDATES ON SYDNEY CHURCH STABBING

The teen who allegedly stabbed a Sydney bishop, and was being held by three men, was seen smirking while questioned about his motives. Source: Twitter
The teen who allegedly stabbed a Sydney bishop, and was being held by three men, was seen smirking while questioned about his motives. Source: Twitter

One man, who sits with the teen's head between his legs, has visible blood on his jeans and appears to slap the teen's face before a police officer intervenes. A voice in the video appears to question the motives behind the attack, saying "While people are praying, you’re gonna do this? You’re gonna f***ing do this?"

The teen then turns his face to the camera and flashes what's being described on social media as an "evil grin," prompting an enraged response from one of his captors heard in the video.

"You’re a f***ing idiot. Laughing? You’re a f***ing idiot. You’re gonna cop it. You’re gonna get …" the man off camera says.

Social media commentators have described the unnerving footage as "pure evil".

Read more:

On Monday vision emerged of a bishop appearing to be stabbed during a service. Source: Twitter
On Monday vision emerged of a bishop appearing to be stabbed during a service. Source: Twitter

Teen under police guard after alleged Sydney stabbing

Police last night arrested a 16-year-old boy in Sydney's southwest following the brutal attack. Police said the boy had serious hand injuries amid unsubstantiated rumours his finger was cut off during the scuffle that followed.

The alleged offender is recovering in hospital after he underwent surgery for injuries. He remains under police guard.

Officers had to barricade themselves inside the church with the boy for several hours as the violence continued outside. A number of police officers were injured after being hurt during the unrest.

The shocking scenes come days after after six people were killed and more injured, when Joel Cauchi targeted people with a knife at Bondi Junction Westfield on Saturday.

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