The father of a boy arrested over a stabbing at a western Sydney church reportedly had no idea his son may have been radicalised.
On Wednesday, 7NEWS attempted to speak with the parents of the 16-year-old who allegedly attacked Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel while he was delivering a sermon on Monday night at Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Latest details on Sydney church stabbing.
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The incident has been declared an act of terrorism, however, the alleged attacker - a teen with a history of knife-related crime - is yet to be charged. He remains under police guard in hospital.
The teenager’s family have moved out of their home following intense media interest and threats of reprisal attacks on Islamic religious centres after the stabbing at the Assyrian Christian church.
Lebanese Muslim Association secretary Gamel Kheir met with the boy’s father following the incident and said he was “distraught” and saw no warning signs in the lead-up to the stabbing.
“(The father) was distraught ... he would not go home, he was too scared to go home,” Kheir said.
“Did he see the signs? He said no.
“All he saw was a troublesome teenager who wasn’t listening to his father.
“You would never have seen a more humble, simple father than ... the boys’ father.”
Detectives are now investigating whether the teenager was influenced by anyone and if he was a known threat.
Bishop Emmanuel had a history of sharing controversial views on a range of topics, including criticisms of Islam and other religions, in sermons widely shared on social media.
The stabbing triggered a riot outside the church, as some worshippers tried to gain access to the attacker, who was being held inside the place of worship at the time.
The ensuing chaos left 47 police officers injured and dozens of vehicles vandalised, while several paramedics were forced to shelter in the church.
“We believe that people not associated with the church have turned up as an excuse and become a riot that involved police,” NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said.
Footage from CCTV, police bodycams and helicopters, as well as DNA testing of vehicles, was being used to identify those responsible.
On Wednesday evening, police confirmed they made their first arrest, of a 19-year-old Doonside man, over the public order incident.
- with AAP
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