Suspect travelled 90 minutes to commit alleged terror act in Wakeley church

The 16-year-old will appear before the children's court via bedside video link while he remains in hospital.

Transcript

00:00 Police charged a 16 year old boy with a terrorism offence as a result of the alleged stabbing at a Sydney church on Monday evening.

00:09 Police from the joint counter-terrorism team attended a medical facility last night to interview the boy

00:17 and he was subsequently charged with a Commonwealth offence for terrorism.

00:23 He has been bail refused and we expect that he will be attending a bedside court hearing today to determine bail.

00:35 The incident relates to the stabbing of the bishop, we allege, on Monday night that was stabbed up to six times.

00:48 We also allege that the boy had travelled for 90 minutes to attend that location from his home address.

00:56 This investigation is complex and remains ongoing but I will outline the facts as they stand.

01:03 On the evening of Monday April 15 we allege a 16 year old boy attended the Christ the Good Shepherd's church in Wakeley

01:11 where he allegedly stabbed the bishop of the church.

01:15 The next day on Tuesday April 16 investigators from the joint counter-terrorism team completed search warrants

01:23 at the alleged offenders home where a number of items were seized.

01:28 After examination of the alleged offenders electronic devices and when other evidence was obtained

01:35 investigators sought to speak with the alleged offender following appropriate medical clearance.

01:42 Yesterday investigators attended a medical facility to interview the alleged offender

01:47 where he was charged with committing a terrorist act under section 101.1 of the Criminal Code Commonwealth 1995

01:57 an offence which carries a maximum penalty of imprisonment for life.

02:02 He has been refused bail and is expected to appear before a bedside court hearing today.

02:08 This matter will go through the justice system while we continue our investigations but I do want to make a couple of points.

02:15 A terrorist act is defined under Commonwealth law.

02:18 We allege that the act committed meets the definition for reasons outlined in a statement of facts

02:24 but I will not go into those facts here today.

02:27 Secondly I want to reinforce that our job is not done.

02:32 Myself and other police members including our well established community liaison teams

02:37 are meeting with leaders of faith over the coming days to provide support, answer questions and provide assurances the community needs.

02:45 We target criminality not countries.

02:48 We investigate radicalisation and not religion.

02:52 There is a saying in police, the police of the community and the community of the police.

02:56 We are only as strong and effective as our bond to each other.

03:00 We know that grief hangs heavy over Sydney at the moment and there are many communities with questions

03:06 but our answers will have more meaning if we find commonality and not difference.

03:11 I want to thank all of those involved in the investigation to date and those who assisted with the investigation.

03:18 We are working with pace and laser like precision.

03:21 Finally the terrorist threat in Australia has not changed following this incident.

03:26 Our national terrorism threat level remains at possible and all Australians should remain vigilant

03:32 and 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.

03:43 Thank you.

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