Teen charged with Wakeley terrorism attack travelled 90 minutes to church: police

Loading

Those in touch with the family say they were shocked and dismayed at the choice to call the teenager’s actions an alleged terrorist attack, and Islamic community leaders have warned the terrorism label is flaming tensions in western Sydney.

Police are this week patrolling mosques in case of tit-for-tat violence.

“We target criminality, not countries. We investigate radicalisation, not religion,” Australian Federal Police Commissioner Reece Kershaw said.

Those close to the family of the alleged attacker said he had been expelled from school and was arrested over an incident at a railway station, but his parents did not see any signs of religious extremism.

The family fled their home after the teenager was arrested and they were interviewed by counterterrorism police officers, according to Islamic community leader Dr Jamal Rifi, who is speaking to the family.

Immediately after the attack, a riot erupted as thousands, including many who weren’t connected to the church, arrived after news of the attack spread through social media.

Police said 51 officers were injured when rioters threw projectiles at them and destroyed police cars. Paramedics were forced to hide in the church for more than three hours as the angry crowd turned on emergency responders in a bid to get to the alleged offender.

One rioter has faced court since the incident, 19-year-old Dani Mansour, who said his decision to participate in the riot was a mistake after he was bailed on Thursday.

Webb urged the community to stop the spread of misinformation online. Police believe many of those who participated in the riot that followed the Wakeley stabbing had no connection to the church but were motivated to participate after being incited on social media.

“I do know that there’s been information on applications like WhatsApp, TikTok … suggesting certain things and they’re not true, and it’s creating fear – unnecessary fear – and it needs to stop,” she said.

Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.