Adass Israel Synagogue arson: Melbourne man, 21, arrested in police probe over synagogue fire
Police swooped on the 21-year-old from Werribee as part of a co-ordinated raid across Melbourne on Wednesday.
In a joint statement between Victoria Police, the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, investigators said it will be alleged the man was one of three individuals who set fire to the Adass Israel Synagogue on December 6 last year.
According to the statement, officers from the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team executed seven search warrants on Wednesday, seizing various items including electronic devices.
CCTV released by police in May this year captured three individuals smash their way into the building, one holding a red jerry can, before the building was set alight.
The 4.10am fire caused significant damage to the Ripponlea building and damaged sacred texts.
Police on Wednesday also released 53-seconds of footage of the Werribee man being led handcuffed from a exposed brick home to the back of a police car — seemingly before dawn.
AFP Deputy Commissioner National Security Krissy Barrett said investigators were continuing to probe the incident as a suspected 'politically motivated crime'.
'This crime was despicable as it was dangerous, and it is important to acknowledge that this was not just an arson on a synagogue,' she said.
'The effect of this crime has rippled through a community that continues to be targeted by criminals. We will not stand for this, and I want to reassure the public that this is not just a priority investigation for the JCTT, but also for the AFP.
'I want to thank the Jewish community across Australia, and in particular, the Adass Israel Synagogue congregation, for their stoicism, patience, and the support they have shown the JCTT.'
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said police would remain 'relentless' in pursuing and holding those involved to account.
'Victoria Police has seen first-hand the impact this incident has had in the Victorian community – the fear and distress a crime like this can cause,' he said.
'People deserve to be safe and feel safe, particularly when it comes to their places of worship. This is not negotiable in any way.
'We remain committed to identifying all those who seek to cause this kind of fear and harm, and ensuring they are brought to justice.'
The man is the second person arrested over the arson, with a Williamstown man, 20, charged on July 17 over his alleged role in the theft of a blue VW Golf linked to the fire.
Police say further arrests and charges are expected soon.
Executive Council of Australian Jewry president Daniel Aghion KC said the arrest brings 'some long-awaited comfort and reassurance' to the Jewish community.
'It is ominous that police are continuing to treat the despicable firebombing of the Adass synagogue as politically motivated,' he said.
'We thank the police for their painstaking efforts to date and hope that further arrests will be made in the near future so that all the offenders including the masterminds are swiftly brought to justice. Only then will a deterrent be established against this sort of chilling behaviour.'
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