Counter-terrorism police have charged a second man over an arson attack at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne.
Share and Follow

A counter-terrorism investigation team has charged a second man over an alleged arson attack at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne.

The building in Ripponlea was firebombed and gutted in the early hours of December 6, in an incident that rocked the Jewish community.

Detectives stormed a home in Meadow Heights last week and seized several items, including electronic devices, for forensic examination.

Counter-terrorism police have charged a second man over an arson attack at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne.
Counter-terrorism police have charged a second man over an arson attack at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne. (AFP)

Today, a 20-year-old man from Meadow Heights was charged with criminal damage by fire, conduct endangering life and theft of a motor vehicle.

He is facing a maximum of 15 years in prison. 

The man has been remanded in custody.

Australian Federal Police Counter Terrorism and Special Investigations Commander Nick Read said the team would not let crimes go unpunished.

“We warned that further arrests would follow, and today we have taken yet another step towards justice,” he said.

The Adass Israel synagogue in Ripponlea in Melbourne’s south-east was left gutted. (Nine)

The counter-terrorism team alleged the 20-year-old is one of three people who broke into the synagogue and deliberately set the fire.

He is the second of three alleged offenders accused of setting fire to the building.

A 21-year-old man from Werribee was charged on July 30.

A 20-year-old man from Melton South was charged with allegedly stealing a communal crime car, which was used to drive to the synagogue.

Police believe the car, a blue Volkswagen Golf sedan, was also used in another arson attack at the LUX Nightclub on November 21.

A 20-year-old man from Pakenham has been charged in relation to the nightclub fire.

A joint terrorist investigation team has made a breakthrough link in the case of a synagogue attack and warned the offenders that it is only a "matter of time" before police come knocking.
CCTV showed two people outside the synogogue with what appears to be an accelerant. (Victoria Police)
A joint terrorist investigation team has made a breakthrough link in the case of a synagogue attack and warned the offenders that it is only a "matter of time" before police come knocking.
CCTV showed a park parked outside the building. (Victoria Police)

Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Counter Terrorism Tess Walsh said investigations are continuing and remain a priority.

“Victoria Police has seen first-hand the impact of a crime like this, how it has impacted both the Jewish community and the broader community,” she said.

“There is no place for this type of offending in our state, and we will be relentless in pursuing those who are prepared to engage in these acts of violence.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Brittany Higgins Finds Relief After Bruce Lehrmann’s Defamation Appeal is Dismissed

This article contains references to rape. Brittany Higgins feels as if she can “breathe…
A struggling NSW town is devastated that its Christmas tree was destroyed by arsonists less than a fortnight away from the holiday.

Heartbreaking Act: Arsonists Destroy Beloved Rural Town’s Christmas Tree

A small town in New South Wales is grappling with heartbreak after…

Joshua Dale Brown Faces 83 Additional Charges in Ongoing Childcare Abuse Investigation

This article contains references to child abuse. A former childcare worker whose…
Teenagers arrested in St Kilda

Teen Trio Faces Charges in Shocking Melbourne Beach Brawl Incident

Three teenagers have been charged over an alleged assault at a popular…
Lauren Tesolin-Mastrosa.

Sydney Woman’s Book Faces Allegations of Containing Inappropriate Content: Police Investigation Underway

A Christian charity marketing executive finds herself embroiled in controversy over a…
A scorching heatwave is set to blanket Sydney and much of the East Coast as a hot air mass moves across the country.

Sydney Braces for Intense Heatwave as Sweltering Air Mass Sweeps Across the State

Sydney and much of Australia’s east coast are bracing for a significant…
Uati "Pele" Faletolu Easter Show stabbing funeral

Family Mourns Teen’s Tragic Death at Sydney Show: ‘Nothing Will Ever Be the Same

The family of a young expectant father, whose life ended tragically at…
The locket has an 18-karat gold octopus inside. A New Zealand man has been charged with theft for allegedly swallowing it in Auckland.

New Zealand Resident Faces Charges for Allegedly Ingesting Priceless Fabergé Egg

A man in New Zealand faces theft charges after allegedly swallowing a…