Seven young people have been arrested in counter-terrorism raids in Sydney in response to the stabbing of a bishop last Monday in the city’s west.
More than 400 members of a joint counterterrorism team of state and federal law enforcement began raiding 13 homes in the city’s southwest around 11:15 a.m. Wednesday.
The raids were a response to last Monday’s stabbing at an Assyrian church in Wakeley, a suspected terrorist incident.
New South Wales Police determined there was no specific threat to public safety and the raids had no connection to Anzac Day commemorations on Thursday.
However, the domestic terrorist threat level remains “possible.”
New South Wales Police Deputy Commissioner David Hudson told reporters on Monday that “a number of associates have been identified that we believe warrant further attention and investigation.”
“We will allege that these individuals adhere to a violent extremist ideology for religious reasons,” he said.
“These investigations have been progressing since the incident, including extensive surveillance activities and intensive scrutiny of these individuals.”
The counter-terrorism team determined on Tuesday that those arrested allegedly “posed an unacceptable risk to the people of New South Wales”.
“Our current, purely investigative strategies cannot adequately ensure public safety,” he said.
‘As a result, we determined that we needed to intensify our activities and that open action was required.
“I can assure the community that there is no ongoing threat to the community and that the actions we have taken today have mitigated any risk of future or further harm.”
Five other people are assisting police with investigations.
Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett emphasized that the arrests were not racially or religiously motivated.
‘I want to be very clear: we are targeting crime and not countries. “Our goal is radicalization, not religion,” he stated.
‘We ask Australians to remain vigilant. I urge anyone who sees or hears anything they think is wrong to contact the Homeland Security hotline immediately on 1800 123 400.’
Suburbs included in the raids were Bankstown, Prestons, Casula, Lurnea, Rydalmere, Greenacre, Strathfield, Chester Hill and Punchbowl, as well as a property in Goulburn, 195 kilometers southwest of Sydney.
Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed the raids were linked to the incident at Christ the Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley, west of Sydney, last Monday.
The NSW Police Joint Counter Terrorism Team is executing a series of search warrants across Sydney on Wednesday in relation to an alleged stabbing at a church (file image)
ASIO director-general Mike Burgess said the security organization was involved in the operation as part of the Joint Counter-Terrorism Team (JCCT).
“My officers are connected, involved and integrated within the joint counterterrorism team,” Burgess told the National Press Club.
The JCCT also includes the Australian Federal Police, the New South Wales Police and the New South Wales Crime Commission.
A 16-year-old boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, is accused of stabbing Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, 55, while he was delivering a live-streamed sermon in front of parishioners.
The teenager had been charged with terrorism offenses and was denied bail.
The police’s use of the term terrorism indicates that authorities believe the incident was religiously or politically motivated.
Witnesses to the attack said the alleged perpetrator used the Islamic phrase “Allahu Akbar” and while detained allegedly said in Arabic that the bishop had denigrated “my prophet.”
The stabbing sparked a riot outside the church with around 2,000 people chanting “take him out” and “an eye for an eye” while police kept the young man inside for fear of his safety.
Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed the raids were linked to an alleged stabbing at Christ the Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley, in Sydney’s west.
Dozens of police officers were injured, their cars were vandalized and some officers and paramedics took refuge inside the church.
Police made their first arrest in connection with the riot just hours before the teenager was charged with terrorism.
Four other people, including a 17-year-old boy, have been arrested and face charges for their alleged involvement in the incident.
Police released images of nine other men they wish to speak to in connection with the riot. Anyone with information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
National Security Hotline 1800 123 400
