An Australian bishop was stabbed multiple times during his sermon on Monday night, following a recent incident where six people were fatally stabbed at a nearby mall.
Footage shared online on Monday captures Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel addressing the congregation at Wakeley’s Christ The Good Shepherd Church when an unidentified individual wearing a black hoodie approaches him.
The bishop attempts to communicate with the man, who then viciously stabs him in the face and neck.
An attack on a priest has just been captured on a live stream at the Christ the Good Shepherd Church in the Sydney suburb of Wakeley. pic.twitter.com/s17sHHHVw7
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) April 15, 2024
Emmanuel collapses to the ground as worshippers rush to assist him.
He was swiftly taken to a nearby hospital, as reported by News.com.au.
Additionally, three others sustained injuries and received on-site treatment for cuts, including individuals in their 30s, 20s, and 60s.
Authorities have apprehended the suspect, who is cooperating with the investigation according to NSW police.
The motive behind the attack remains unknown.
Emmanuel has garnered an online following in recent years for his outspoken criticism of COVID-related restrictions, denouncing lockdowns as “mass slavery” and opposing vaccine mandates in his sermons.
This attack occurred just days another incident where a knife-wielding assailant injured numerous people at a popular Sydney mall, though it is unclear if the two events are connected.
