The U.S. Embassy in Australia has issued a message for its citizens visiting Australia following the two recent terrorist attacks in the country.
In a “religious-motivated extremism” act, a 16-year-old boy stabbed Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel and a priest in the middle of a livestreamed service at Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley on April 16, said NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb.
Only two days before this alleged “terrorist act,” six people were murdered with a “big blade” by Joel Cauchi (40) at Bondi Junction’s Westfield shopping center on April 13, plunging Australia into mourning.
The attacker, who was shot dead by a female police officer, also managed to injure 12 other people, including a nine-month-old baby girl whose mother couldn’t survive, according to New South Wales Health Minister Ryan Park.
Authorities haven’t linked these murderers to a terrorist attack, but they do have stated Cauchi was specifically targeting women.
The only male who died in this attack was security guard Faraz Tahir, 30, who was trying to protect women from being killed.
The US Embassy and Consulates in Australia have issued a “message” for Americans advising them about the importance of remaining vigilant at all times, even in places where you would normally feel safe.
When in Australia, pay special attention when surrounded by crowds in public or tourist venues, make sure you have a security plan ready, and leave areas with heightened police activity.