Late last night, CCTV footage captured an armed intruder attempting to break into the Coptic Orthodox Church in Helensvale, Gold Coast, around 1am. The footage shows the suspect wandering through an empty stairwell while brandishing what appeared to be a firearm.
The incident has prompted a police investigation. The intruder was observed trying to gain access to several rooms and, at one point, attempted to open a door. After failing to gain entry, he walked away briefly only to return later, waving the firearm and staring directly into the camera.
Father Michael Lawandi, who viewed the footage, expressed his concerns, describing it as “frightening.” He noted, “I don’t know how many James Bond movies he’s watched, but walking around like this, it’s a bit frightening,” indicating the bizarre behaviour of the intruder.
Fortunately, Father Bishoy El Antinoy, who usually sleeps in the church, was not present during the intrusion. He quipped, “Even if he did [break into the room], he would not find anything to steal. I’m a monk; I have nothing.”
As the intruder continued his rampage, he damaged the security camera before fleeing the scene, leaving the local community shaken by the incident. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the suspect to come forward as they work to resolve the matter.