Seven arrested in massive counter terrorism raids across Sydney after bishop attack
Seven young people have been arrested in counter-terrorism raids across Sydney in response to last Monday’s stabbing of a bishop in the city’s west.
More than 400 members of a joint counter-terrorism team from the state and federal police forces began raiding 13 homes in the city’s south-west about 11.15am on Wednesday.
The raids were carried out in response to last Monday’s stabbing at an Assyrian church in Wakeley – an alleged terror incident.
New South Wales Police determined there is no specific threat to public safety and the raids had no connection to Anzac Day commemorations on Thursday.
However, the national terrorism threat level remains at ‘possible’.
NSW Police Deputy Commissioner David Hudson told reporters on Monday ‘a number of associates were identified that we believe warranted further close attention and investigation’.
‘We will allege that these individuals adhere to a religiously motivated violent extremist ideology,’ he said.
‘These investigations have been progressing since the incident, the investigations including comprehensive surveillance activities and intensive scrutiny of these individuals.’
The counter-terrorism team determined on Tuesday those arrested allegedly ‘posed an unacceptable risk to the people of New South Wales’.
‘Our current, purely investigative, strategies could not adequately ensure public safety,’ he said.
‘As a result, we determined that we needed to escalate our activities and that overt action was required.
‘I can assure the community there is no ongoing threat to the community, and the action we have taken today has mitigated any risk of future or further harm.’
Another five people are assisting police with inquiries.
Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett emphasised the arrests were not racially or religiously motivated.
‘I want to be very clear, we target criminality and not countries. We target radicalisation, not religion,’ she said.
‘We ask Australians to remain vigilant. I urge people who see or hear something that they feel is not right to contact the National Security Hotline immediately on 1800 123 400.’
Suburbs included in the raids were 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 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 male, 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.
The teenager had been charged with terrorism offences and was refused bail.
The use of the term terrorism by police indicates authorities believe the incident was religiously or politically motivated.
Witnesses to the attack said the alleged perpetrator used the Islamic phrase ‘Allahu Akbar’ and while being detained he allegedly said in Arabic that the bishop had denigrated ‘my prophet’.
The stabbing sparked a riot outside the church with about 2,000 people chanting ‘bring him out’ and ‘an eye for an eye’ as police kept the youth inside due to 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 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.
National Security Hotline 1800 123 400