Wakeley riots: 20th man charged following alleged violence
A 20th man has been charged following Sydney’s violent Wakeley riots, which broke out at Christ the Good Shepherd Church following the alleged stabbing of a bishop during a livestreamed sermon.
About 2000 people flooded the streets outside the western Sydney church about 7.10pm on April 15, following the altercation which was later deemed a terrorism incident.
Two police officers suffered serious injuries after projectiles were thrown during the unrest.
A 16-year-old has since been charged with a Commonwealth terrorism offence, and could face life in prison if convicted.
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The stabbing at the church was caught on a livestream. NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard Credit: News Corp Australia
The 53-year-old Assyrian bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel has since been discharged from hospital.
The extensive investigation led by NSW police officers from Strike Force Dribs arrested a 37-year-old man at his West Hoxton home in Sydney’s west on Friday morning.
The man was charged with rioting and destroying or damaging property.
He was refused bail and will appear before Liverpool Local Court on Friday.
Investigations under Strike Force Dribs remains ongoing.
NSW Police detectives collecting evidence outside the Christ the Good Shepherd Church following the alleged stabbing and riots. NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard Credit: News Corp Australia
Following the attack, NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said the behaviour was “totally unacceptable” and warned those involved in the riot would face police scrutiny.
The riots have also been widely condemned by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns.
“It might not be today, it might not be tomorrow, but we’ll find you and we’ll come and arrest you. That is totally unacceptable,” the commissioner said.
“Those involved can expect to be prosecuted.”