A bishop was stabbed while livestreaming a church service in Sydney, Australia, on Monday – the country’s second knife attack in lower than three days.
Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel was one in all 4 people injured within the attack at the Christ the Good Shepherd church within the Wakeley area of the town.Â
He belongs to the Assyrian Orthodox Church and New South Wales police have said the alleged knifeman was known to the congregation.Â
Video footage shows members of the congregation rushing to defend the bishop and restrain the alleged assailant.
A police statement said: “A police operation is under way in Wakeley, following reports of a stabbing.
“Officers attached to Fairfield City Police Area Command attended a location on Welcome Street, Wakeley, following reports quite a few people were stabbed.
“Officers arrested a male and he’s assisting police with inquiries.”
Chris Minns, the premier of New South Wales, said: “My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and first responders who’re working to maintain us protected.
“It’s necessary that the community remain calm and proceed to listen and act to the directions of police and emergency services.
“We are a robust community in NSW and it is vital that all of us stick together, particularly within the face of adversity.”
The attack happened because the country continues to reel from a stabbing rampage on the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre in Sydney on Saturday. Six people died within the attack.
The attacker, named as Joel Cauchi, was shot dead on the scene. It is reported that he had suffered from mental health issues.
