Second man charged over Melbourne synagogue arson attack

Thursday, 21 August 2025 18:34

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.

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 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.

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."

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