SYDNEY, Australia: A 16-year-old boy who allegedly stabbed a Sydney bishop during a livestreamed sermon has been charged with “committing a terrorist act”, police said on Friday.
It is alleged the accused travelled for about 90 minutes to reach the western Sydney’s Assyrian Christian church and stabbed Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel about six times.
The alleged assailant, who was taken to hospital after the attack, is expected to attend a bedside children’s court hearing later on Friday, Karen Webb, the New South Wales police commissioner, said.
Police framed the charges after a search of electronic devices at his home and an interview in his hospital bed.
The assailant has been denied bail and he could face life in prison if convicted.
Police did not comment on what ideology may have motivated the alleged attacker.
