Seven arrested in massive counter terrorism raids across Sydney after bishop attack
Seven young people have been arrested in counter-terrorism raids in Sydney in response to the stabbing death of a bishop in the city’s west on Monday.
More than 400 members of a joint state and federal police counterterrorism team began raiding 13 homes in the city’s southwest around 11:15 a.m. Wednesday.
The raids were carried out following the stabbing at an Assyrian church, Christ The Good Shepherd Church, in Wakeley last Monday – an alleged terror incident.
New South Wales Police have determined that there is no specific threat to public safety and that the raids were not related Anzac Day commemorations on Thursday.
However, the national terrorism threat level remains at ‘possible’.
Police have arrested seven young people from Sydney’s south-west during alleged counter-terrorism raids
The raids were in response to a stabbing at a church in Wakeley last Monday, an alleged terror incident
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner David Hudson told reporters on Monday that “a number of employees have been identified who we believe warrant further attention and investigation.”
“We will allege that these individuals espouse a religiously motivated violent extremist ideology,” he said.
“These investigations have progressed since the incident and investigations include extensive surveillance activities and intensive investigations into these individuals.”
The counter-terrorism team determined on Tuesday that the detainees “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 came to the conclusion that we needed to escalate our activities and that overt action was necessary.
“I can assure the community that there is no ongoing threat to the community and the action we have taken today has reduced any risk of future or further harm.”
New South Wales Police have determined there is no specific threat to public safety and Thursday’s raids were not related to Anzac Day commemorations
Another five 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 focus on crime and not on countries. We focus on radicalization, not religion,” she said.
“We ask Australians to remain vigilant. “I urge anyone who sees or hears something they believe is incorrect to immediately contact the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.”
Suburbs involved in the raids included Bankstown, Prestons, Casula, Lurnea, Rydalmere, Greenacre, Strathfield, Chester Hill and Punchbowl, as well as a property in Goulburn, 195km south-west of Sydney.
Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed the raids were linked to the incident last Monday at Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley, western Sydney.
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 and committed and embedded in the joint counter-terrorism team,” Mr Burgess told the National Press Club.
The JCCT also includes the Australian Federal Police, NSW Police and the NSW Crime Commission.
A 16-year-old man, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, is accused of stabbing Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, 55, while delivering a livestream sermon to parishioners.
The teenager had been charged with terrorist offenses and was refused bail.
The use of the term terrorism by police 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 that during his arrest he 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 ‘bring him out’ and ‘an eye for an eye’, while police kept the boy inside fearing for his safety.
Dozens of police officers were injured, their cars were destroyed and some officers and paramedics took shelter in the church
Another five people are assisting police with investigations
Police made their first arrest in connection with the riots just hours before the teenager was charged with terrorism.
Four others, including a 17-year-old boy, have been arrested and are facing charges for their alleged involvement in the incident.
Police have released images of nine other men they want to speak to in connection with the riots. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers.
Crime Stoppers NSW 1800 333 000
National Security Hotline 1800 123 400