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

Could the End of the Historic U.S. Shutdown Be Near? Discover the Next Steps

The longest US government shutdown on record is finally drawing to a…
Yarra City Council yesterday voted to withdraw its long-term support for the North Richmond Medically Supervised Injection Room (MSIR).

Council Urges Relocation of Safe Injection Site Away from School for Student Safety

A Melbourne council has reignited a years-long debate surrounding Victoria’s only safe…
Shock jocks Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson.

Controversial Comment on Erin Patterson Mushroom Trial: Why Kyle and Jackie O Won’t Face Legal Action

Prosecutors will not charge radio duo Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O with…
RnB star arrested

R&B Icon Taken into Custody

Hip-hop sensation Akon found himself in legal trouble last week in the…

Specialists Critique Victoria’s Proposed Youth Detention Strategy

Experts warn the Victorian government’s “Adult Time for Violent Crime” plan for…

U.S. Shutdown Nears Resolution: Key Steps Still Required for Final Agreement

The longest US government shutdown in history appears poised to be over,…

Top Ukrainian Officials Step Down Amid Corruption Allegations

Ukraine’s energy and justice ministers resigned on Wednesday, the government said, over…

Historic Gathering of Indigenous Rangers Unites to Safeguard Kimberley Coastline

As Brazil hosts COP30 climate change talks, over 60 Traditional Owners and…