Counter-terrorism officers are executing a number of search warrants across Sydney in relation to the alleged stabbing attack of an Assyrian Catholic Bishop last week.
NSW Police say there is currently no threat to public safety and the raids have no connection to Anzac Day commemorations.
More information on the raids – which Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw described as a ‘major operation’ – will be revealed later on Wednesday,
Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed the raids were in relation to the incident at the Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley, Western Sydney, last Monday.
NSW Police’s Joint Counter Terrorism Team are executing a number of search warrants across Sydney on Wednesday in relation to an alleged stabbing church stabbing (stock image)
ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess said the security organisation was involved in the operation as a part of the Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCCT).
‘My officers are connected and involved and embedded inside the joint counter-terrorism team,’ Mr Burgess told the National Press Club.
The JCCT also includes Australian Federal Police, NSW Police and the NSW Crime Commission.
A 16-year-old boy, who can not be identified for legal reasons, is accused of stabbing Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, 55, while he was delivering a livestreamed sermon in front of parishioners.
Police revealed the teenager had been charged with terrorism offences on Thursday evening and was refused bail.
The alleged attack sparked a riot outside of the church with about 2,000 people chanting ‘bring him out’ and ‘an eye for an eye’ as police kept him inside the building amid fears for his safety.
Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed the raids were in relation to an alleged stabbing at the Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley, Western Sydney
Dozens of police officers were injured in the subsequent riot outside the church (pictured) which has led to five arrests in the past week
The ugly scenes were condemned across the political spectrum as dozens of police were injured, their cars vandalised and some officers and paramedics sheltered inside the church
Police made their first arrest in relation to the riots just hours prior to the teen being charged with terrorism.
Four others, 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 relation to the riots. Anyone with information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
