Overview
- The Counter Terrorism Security Investigation Unit arrested the suspect and charged him with reckless conduct endangering life, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, criminal damage by fire and possessing a controlled weapon
- Police allege the man poured flammable liquid on the synagogue’s front doors during a Shabbat meal for about 20 worshippers, who evacuated safely with firefighters containing the blaze to the entrance
- Detectives are examining whether the arson is tied to a pro-Palestinian demonstration at the Miznon restaurant where around 20 masked protesters chanted slogans and one person was arrested for hindering police
- While not yet designated a terrorism incident, authorities are assessing the accused’s ideological motives and any connection to the unresolved December firebombing of the Ripponlea synagogue
- Premier Jacinta Allan, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Jewish community leaders denounced the attacks as hate-based and urged enhanced security measures and tougher hate-crime laws