Teen, 16, charged over Assyrian bishop’s alleged stabbing in Sydney’s west

A teenager has been charged after allegedly attacking an Assyrian Christian bishop during a livestreamed service at a church in Sydney’s southwest after days in hospital.

The 16-year-old boy was charged with a terrorism offence on Thursday, following an investigation by the Joint Counter Terrorism Team Sydney.

Investigators attended a medical facility to interview the boy, before he was charged with committing a terrorist act under section 101.1 Criminal Code Act, an offence that carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

He has been refused bail and is expected to appear before a bedside court hearing on Friday.

Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, 55, was allegedly attacked while speaking at the Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley on Monday evening.

Video of the service captured the horrifying moment the bishop was allegedly stabbed multiple times and another man injured before the alleged attacker was restrained.

Both Bishop Emmanuel and the 16-year-old were rushed to hospital where the latter remained until he was formally charged by police.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb earlier described the alleged attack as a terrorist-related incident, with the JCTT Sydney brought in.

JCTT Sydney is comprised of members of the NSW Police Force, Australian Federal Police, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and NSW Crime Commission.

The alleged knife attack sparked a violent confrontation between people outside the church and the police, who have since vowed to charge those involved in the melee.

Images and video from the night showed rioters smashing the windscreens of police cars as the riot squad, dog squad and Polair were deployed to the area.