Update in hunt for synagogue arson suspects
Counter-terrorism authorities have released dramatic CCTV footage and images of suspects believed to be responsible for the politically motivated arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne late last year.
The Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) is appealing for public assistance to identify the individuals involved or anyone connected to a blue 2020 VW Golf sedan believed to have been used in the attack.
The footage, captured on December 6, 2024, shows the blue Golf driving past the Elsternwick synagogue multiple times before parking outside the main entrance. Police have released dramatic footage showing masked suspects dousing a Melbourne synagogue in accelerant before setting it alight in a politically motivated attack. Vic Police Credit: Supplied
Three masked individuals wearing hoodies are then seen exiting the vehicle, using an axe to break into the synagogue.
At least two of the offenders are captured on CCTV pouring the contents of red jerry cans inside the entrance and returning to the car to retrieve more.
The flammable liquid was then ignited, and the group fled in the Golf, heading towards Melbourne's western suburbs.
The ultra-Orthodox temple was firebombed and significantly damaged about 4am on Friday December 6.'
Two worshippers were in the temple at the time.
Millions of dollars of holy texts, handwritten Torah scrolls, artefacts and furniture were destroyed or badly damaged. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese toured the inside of Adass Israel synagogue with community leaders after the firebombing. Supplied Credit: Supplied
The vehicle, which was stolen and bore cloned number plates, has since been recovered by police.
Investigators say it was also used in other serious crimes across the city, including the Lux nightclub arson in South Yarra in November 2024, and a shooting and arson in Bundoora on the same night as the synagogue attack.
While the other incidents are being investigated by Victoria Police and are not considered politically motivated, the synagogue fire remains a terrorism matter.
AFP Assistant Commissioner for Counter Terrorism and Special Investigations Command Stephen Nutt said officers had examined CCTV from more than 1400 locations to track the alleged offenders. CCTV released on Thursday shows the blue Golf sedan drive past the Adass Israel Synagogue multiple times before parking outside the main entrance last December. Vic Police Credit: Supplied
'We believe there are multiple offenders directly and indirectly linked to the synagogue arson, and our terrorism investigation into their actions continues,' he said.
'I remind those involved that the penalty for terrorism is life imprisonment. It is just a matter of time before police knock on your door. It is in your interest to come forward now.
'This is no normal crime and that is why it is being investigated by the JCTT with the full force and capability of Victoria Police, the AFP and ASIO. Do not stay silent, come forward.
'Based on the information we have, we suspect some of the individuals involved are extremely violent.' Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner for Counter Terrorism Command Tess Walsh said the investigation had been a top priority over the past five months. Vic Police Credit: Supplied
Assistant Commissioner Nutt said investigators were pursuing all leads and thanked both the Jewish and wider Victorian communities for their support and assistance.
Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner for Counter Terrorism Command Tess Walsh said the investigation had been a top priority over the past five months.
'This was an attack that impacted Victorians' feeling of safety and left people feeling deeply shocked, saddened and rightly concerned,' she said.
She said both the JCTT and specialist detectives, including the Arson and Explosives Squad, had been working to uncover not only who carried out the attack but who planned it and why.
'Today has provided us with a breakthrough in the Lux nightclub arson investigation and we are now in a position to publicly confirm that we believe the vehicle used in that incident is the same as the synagogue fire, as well as many other incidents of significant criminality such as shootings and aggravated burglaries across Melbourne,' she said. AFP Assistant Commissioner for Counter Terrorism and Special Investigations Command Stephen Nutt said officers had examined CCTV from more than 1400 locations to track the alleged offenders. NewsWire / Martin Ollman Credit: News Corp Australia
Assistant Commissioner Walsh said the blue VW Golf sedan was a crucial link in the investigation and urged the public to help identify who had used it and what they were involved in.
'We need assistance from the public as we attempt to identify those who have been using this vehicle and what they have been involved in, and we know there are people out there who can supply this information. Any small detail could be crucial.'
She said it was time for people with information to come forward and warned of the potentially deadly consequences of such reckless behaviour.
'We have said many times before; it is only luck that stands between a fire that damages a property and a fire that kills dozens of people. Fire is absolutely uncontrollable, and the sheer recklessness of this offending cannot be tolerated.' Assistant Commissioner Walsh said it was time for people with information to come forward and warned of the potentially deadly consequences of such reckless behaviour. Vic Police Credit: Supplied
She reassured the Jewish community that police remained committed to tracking down those responsible.
'I understand that it can be difficult when these matters take time, but again, make no mistake that this investigation remains a key priority for Victoria Police and the AFP and we are dedicated to bringing it to a successful conclusion as soon as possible.'
The public is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400 if they recognise anyone in the CCTV footage or have information about the vehicle or the individuals involved. Reports can also be made confidentially online.
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