The teenager who allegedly stabbed a bishop at Christ the Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley is still in hospital and has not been formally questioned by police, Commissioner Karen Webb has confirmed.
The 16-year-old allegedly attacked Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel on Monday night, injuring several others in the chaos that ensued as parishioners stepped in to apprehend him.
NSW Police announced the event was being treated as a terrorist attack as they believe the incident was ideologically motivated.
Police Commissioner Karen Webb said today that the teenager had not yet been spoken to by detectives as he is still receiving care as a patient. He remains under police guard.
“I know everyone wants answers, he has not yet had the opportunity to be spoken to (by police), we will update the public as soon as we have more information to share,” Webb said.
“He is currently a patient, when the doctors clear him we would love to talk to him.”
Webb also said more than 70 police were searching for up to 50 people in relation to a riot that broke out outside of the church following the terror attack.
Webb said on Wednesday that up to 600 rioters, who had no affiliation with the church, showed up “as an excuse” to cause trouble.
NSW Police have urged the community to come forward with any information of those involved.
“A number of people disguised themselves and we need to know who they are.
“The community…knows who they are, their families know who they are, we need to know who they are.
“We will continue to investigate this as long as it takes to identify them.”
A 19-year-old man was arrested and charged last night in relation to the riot.
Webb confirmed this morning that he was not a member of the parish.
NSW Police Minister Yasmin Cately said it was “critical” that members of the public helped police identify the rioters.
Several police cars were damaged in the riot, with two police officers suffering injuries after objects including bricks and metal fencing were thrown at them.
