Overview

• Angelo Loras has been charged with arson, possession of a controlled weapon, reckless conduct endangering life and criminal damage by fire over the July 4 attack on the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation.
• Police allege Loras poured flammable liquid on the synagogue’s front doors and set them alight, causing roughly $5,000 in damage before fleeing.
• Investigators seized two electronic devices from Loras and are conducting forensic analysis to uncover any ideological or extremist motive.
• Prosecutors have signalled that evidence from the device analysis could prompt transfer of the case to a higher court for a jury trial on potential terrorism charges.
• Loras entered no plea, did not seek bail and is next scheduled to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on September 12 to review the investigation’s progress.