Priest stabbed during livestream, suspect arrested in Australia, police say

A police operation is underway in Wakeley, New South Wales.

April 15, 2024, 7:11 AM

LONDON -- A suspect was arrested after a priest was stabbed during a livestream in Wakeley, a city in New South Wales, Australia, police said on Monday.

A "number" of other people were also stabbed, law enforcement said.

A video of the incident, which was viewed by ABC News, appears to show a man approaching the priest as he speaks to his congregation. The man appears to interrupt the sermon and to begin violently attacking the priest.

PHOTO: Police officers and their vehicles can be seen outside the Christ the Good Shepherd Church in Sydney's western suburb of Wakeley on April 16, 2024.
Police officers and their vehicles can be seen outside the Christ the Good Shepherd Church in Sydney's western suburb of Wakeley on April 16, 2024.
David Gray/AFP via Getty Images

"Officers arrested a male and he is assisting police with inquiries," the New South Wales Police Force said in a statement. "The injured people suffered non-life threatening injuries and are being treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics."

Officers were dispatched to a church on Welcome Street after a call about multiple injuries came in at about 7:10 p.m. on Monday, police said.

"A large police response is underway and the public is urged to avoid the area," police said in a statement.

ABC News' Joe Simonetti contributed to this report.