Bishop Mari Mari Emmanuel, a prominent church leader, was targeted in a stabbing that occurred during a service at Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley, Sydney, on Monday night.
Outraged Wakeley residents clash with police
The attack not only shocked the Sydney West community but also led to widespread riots as outraged residents clashed with police forces trying to control the situation.
According to reports, a massive crowd gathered outside the church in a tense standoff that quickly escalated into a violent confrontation.
The crowd, consisting of hundreds of people, clashed with a large number of police officers who arrived with shields and riot gear.
Helicopters circled overhead as tensions rose, with some protesters throwing objects at the police.
The standoff became particularly intense near Fairfield Showgrounds, with police urging the public to steer clear of the area as they worked to restore peace.
During the peak of the disturbance, the emergency department at Liverpool Hospital was temporarily closed as a precaution.
Here’s what we know about the Wakeley church stabbing
The shocking incident unfolded around 19:00 AEST (around 11:00 SAST) when Bishop Emmanuel and his congregants were attacked during a live-streamed service, an event watched by hundreds online.
The footage showed a harrowing scene of Emmanuel being stabbed six times. Police swiftly arrested a man at the scene who is currently assisting with their inquiries.
Thankfully, the injuries sustained were not life-threatening, and the victims received immediate medical attention.
This incident came just a day after a separate, deadly stabbing at Bondi Junction Westfield in Sydney, though police have stated there is no connection between the two events.
Who is Bishop Mari Mari Emmanuel?
Bishop Mari Mari Emmanuel is a significant figure within an ultra-conservative sect of the Assyrian Orthodox Church.
He gained a substantial following during the COVID-19 pandemic for his controversial views on lockdowns and vaccines.
Known for his firebrand style of preaching, Emmanuel’s sermons often include harsh criticisms of LGBTQ policies and various global political matters.
His assertive and polarising statements have made him a central figure in many debates, particularly among radical Christian groups.
Ordained as a priest in 2009 and later as a bishop in 2011, Emmanuel has utilised platforms like YouTube and TikTok to spread his messages, attracting hundreds of thousands of followers worldwide.
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