A NSW man has been charged over an alleged arson attack on an East Melbourne synagogue
Detectives from Victoria Police's Counter Terrorism Security Investigation Unit arrested the 34-year-old NSW man on Saturday evening.
"It is alleged the man was seen walking through Parliament Gardens before entering the grounds of the synagogue on Albert Street on 4 July about 8pm," Victoria Police said in a statement.
The man allegedly poured a flammable liquid on the front door of the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation building and set it on fire before fleeing the scene on foot in a westerly direction along Albert Street.
About 20 people were inside the synagogue enjoying Shabbat dinner at the time of the attack, but they were safely evacuated out the back of the building.
Firefighters extinguished the fire, which was contained to the front entrance.
The 34-year-old man from Toongabbie, NSW, was arrested in Melbourne's CBD at about 8.15pm on Saturday night.
He was interviewed by detectives and charged with reckless conduct endanger life, reckless conduct endanger serious injury, criminal damage by fire, and possess a controlled weapon.
The man will appear before the Bail and Remand Court today.
Victoria Police have not declared the attack a terrorist incident, but detectives are continuing to examine the intent and ideology of the person charged.
Detectives are yet to establish any links to two additional incidents on Friday night; a public order incident in Melbourne's Hardware Lane and an arson attack and criminal damage to a business on Para Road, Greensborough, but will continue to make enquiries to determine any potential links.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has described the incident as a "shocking" act that has "no place in Australia".
'Those responsible for these shocking acts must face the full force of the law and my government will provide all necessary support toward this effort," the prime minister said.
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West Australian
3 hours ago
- West Australian
Benjamin Netanyahu demands Anthony Albanese take stronger action against ‘vile' antisemitic attacks
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has furiously demanded the Albanese Government take stronger action against antisemitism after a series of 'vile' attacks in Melbourne. In the latest act of religious hatred, the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation was targeted about 8pm Friday while about 20 people, including children, were inside observing Shabbat. The front door of the synagogue was set alight, forcing the worshippers to flee to safety. It came about the same time as protesters stormed a restaurant in Melbourne's CBD chanting 'death to the IDF', terrifying diners as they threw food, smashed chairs against windows, and overturned tables. In a statement, Mr Netanyahu strongly condemned both attacks. 'I view with utmost gravity the antisemitic attacks that occurred last night in Melbourne, which included attempted arson of a synagogue in the city and a violent assault against an Israeli restaurant by pro-Palestinian rioters,' he said. 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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issued a statement on Saturday also condemning the attack. 'Last night's arson attack on the synagogue in East Melbourne is cowardly, is an act of violence and antisemitism, and has no place in Australian society,' he said. Rabbi Dovid Gutnick said the outcome could have been far worse. 'We were lucky the response was quick,' he said. 'They could have opened the door to a person who clearly had bigger plans. 'There were children playing … it could have been a lot worse because those doors are wooden and there's carpet. You wonder if he had more stuff in that bag to do more harm.' Mark Dreyfus, the nation's most senior Jewish politician, met with members of the synagogue on Sunday and urged the public to unite and 'make sure that this never happens again'. 'This attack on this old synagogue here in the centre of Melbourne is an attack not just on the Jewish community - It's an attack on the entire Australian community,' he said. 'Let's make sure that this never happens again. And that hatred of this kind is banished from our country.' Multicultural Affairs Minister Dr Anne Aly joined Burke in condemning the attack saying antisemitic acts violated the fundamental right to safety. 'All Australians have a right to safety. Acts of antisemitism violate that right and should face the full force of the law,' she said. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan described the attack as 'disgraceful' and 'abhorrent,' especially as it occurred during Shabbat. 'That this happened on Shabbat makes it all the more abhorrent,' she said in a statement. 'Any attack on a place of worship is an act of hate, and any attack on a Jewish place of worship is an act of antisemitism. 'To our Jewish community: I stand with you in the fight against hate and fear, and the Victorian people stand with you, too.' Shadow Minister for Women Melissa McIntosh on Sunday said that several Liberals — including Leader Sussan Ley — had wrote to the PM three weeks ago, urging him to strengthen the response to antisemitic attacks. 'There's been a letter that's been sitting there for three weeks... imploring the government to protect the Jewish community of more security in light of what's been going on in the Middle East,' she told ABC. 'They have not received a response from the Prime Minister. 'What about National Cabinet? Why isn't he convening National Cabinet and bringing the states together with urgency to address this issue? 'There's a number of things that the Government could be doing yet we're sitting here today discussing another horrible attack where there are kids inside the synagogue.'
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The Advertiser
7 hours ago
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Man faces court over 'cowardly' attack on synagogue
The identity of a man accused of firebombing a synagogue has been revealed, as a series of alleged anti-Semitic attacks at several other locations draws international attention. Angelo Loras, 34, from Toongabbie in NSW, was arrested in Melbourne's CBD on Saturday night, about 24 hours after the front doors of the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation were allegedly set alight, forcing 20 people to flee. He has been charged multiple offences including reckless conduct endangering life, criminal damage by fire and possession of a controlled weapon. The 34-year-old appeared in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Sunday, where the court was told it was his first time in custody. He was remanded until a hearing on July 22. Detectives will investigate the accused man's intent and ideology to determine if the incident was an act of terrorism. Police are also investigating another alleged act of anti-Semitism on the same night, when protesters who splintered from a larger demonstration allegedly smashed a window, flipped tables, threw chairs and chanted "death to the IDF" outside Israeli restaurant Miznon. Hours later, offenders spray-painted three cars and a wall outside a Greensborough business in Melbourne's northeast before setting fire to the vehicles, destroying one and damaging two. Police have revealed they are investigating a fourth incident where offenders used stencils to spray paint offensive images on pillars at a busy intersection and a number of walls in Elsternwick. It came as hundreds gathered for a pro-Palestine rally in Melbourne on Sunday. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned "reprehensible anti-Semitic attacks" on both the Melbourne synagogue and restaurant. He urged the federal government to "take all action" against those responsible. None of the incidents have been declared terrorism-related but the force is increasing patrols around the synagogue and in the city's southeast. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, former attorney-general Mark Dreyfus and Melbourne MP Sarah Witty met with the synagogue's Rabbi Dovid Gutnick, president Danny Segal and his wife on Sunday morning. Mr Burke and Mr Dreyfus described the firebombing as an "attack on Australia" and the entire community. Mr Burke stopped short of declaring the alleged arson attack an act of terrorism, saying it would be up to Victoria Police to decide. He refused to be drawn on Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's demand the Australian government "take all action to deal with the rioters to the fullest extent of the law". Mr Burke said he spoke with the Israeli Ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon on Saturday night as news filtered through of plans for him to fly from Sydney for the Sunday's meeting. The ambassador took it as a signal of the government taking Friday's attacks very seriously, Mr Burke said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the synagogue arson as a "cowardly" act of violence and anti-Semitism and said the attacks on the restaurant and business were unacceptable. The federal government has offered federal police and security and intelligence agency support to investigators. "Those responsible for these shocking acts must face the full force of the law," he said. Victorian opposition police spokesman and Jewish MP David Southwick criticised Premier Jacinta Allan, who condemned the attacks in a statement, for not fronting the media over the weekend. "Where is the premier," he asked. "The Jewish community feel like there is a war zone here in Melbourne." Ms Allan is expected to visit the synagogue on Monday. The attacks come seven months after a blaze destroyed two buildings at the Adass Israel Synagogue in the city's south and forced worshippers inside to flee. The identity of a man accused of firebombing a synagogue has been revealed, as a series of alleged anti-Semitic attacks at several other locations draws international attention. Angelo Loras, 34, from Toongabbie in NSW, was arrested in Melbourne's CBD on Saturday night, about 24 hours after the front doors of the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation were allegedly set alight, forcing 20 people to flee. He has been charged multiple offences including reckless conduct endangering life, criminal damage by fire and possession of a controlled weapon. The 34-year-old appeared in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Sunday, where the court was told it was his first time in custody. He was remanded until a hearing on July 22. Detectives will investigate the accused man's intent and ideology to determine if the incident was an act of terrorism. Police are also investigating another alleged act of anti-Semitism on the same night, when protesters who splintered from a larger demonstration allegedly smashed a window, flipped tables, threw chairs and chanted "death to the IDF" outside Israeli restaurant Miznon. Hours later, offenders spray-painted three cars and a wall outside a Greensborough business in Melbourne's northeast before setting fire to the vehicles, destroying one and damaging two. Police have revealed they are investigating a fourth incident where offenders used stencils to spray paint offensive images on pillars at a busy intersection and a number of walls in Elsternwick. It came as hundreds gathered for a pro-Palestine rally in Melbourne on Sunday. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned "reprehensible anti-Semitic attacks" on both the Melbourne synagogue and restaurant. He urged the federal government to "take all action" against those responsible. None of the incidents have been declared terrorism-related but the force is increasing patrols around the synagogue and in the city's southeast. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, former attorney-general Mark Dreyfus and Melbourne MP Sarah Witty met with the synagogue's Rabbi Dovid Gutnick, president Danny Segal and his wife on Sunday morning. Mr Burke and Mr Dreyfus described the firebombing as an "attack on Australia" and the entire community. Mr Burke stopped short of declaring the alleged arson attack an act of terrorism, saying it would be up to Victoria Police to decide. He refused to be drawn on Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's demand the Australian government "take all action to deal with the rioters to the fullest extent of the law". Mr Burke said he spoke with the Israeli Ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon on Saturday night as news filtered through of plans for him to fly from Sydney for the Sunday's meeting. The ambassador took it as a signal of the government taking Friday's attacks very seriously, Mr Burke said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the synagogue arson as a "cowardly" act of violence and anti-Semitism and said the attacks on the restaurant and business were unacceptable. The federal government has offered federal police and security and intelligence agency support to investigators. "Those responsible for these shocking acts must face the full force of the law," he said. Victorian opposition police spokesman and Jewish MP David Southwick criticised Premier Jacinta Allan, who condemned the attacks in a statement, for not fronting the media over the weekend. "Where is the premier," he asked. "The Jewish community feel like there is a war zone here in Melbourne." Ms Allan is expected to visit the synagogue on Monday. The attacks come seven months after a blaze destroyed two buildings at the Adass Israel Synagogue in the city's south and forced worshippers inside to flee. The identity of a man accused of firebombing a synagogue has been revealed, as a series of alleged anti-Semitic attacks at several other locations draws international attention. Angelo Loras, 34, from Toongabbie in NSW, was arrested in Melbourne's CBD on Saturday night, about 24 hours after the front doors of the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation were allegedly set alight, forcing 20 people to flee. He has been charged multiple offences including reckless conduct endangering life, criminal damage by fire and possession of a controlled weapon. The 34-year-old appeared in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Sunday, where the court was told it was his first time in custody. He was remanded until a hearing on July 22. Detectives will investigate the accused man's intent and ideology to determine if the incident was an act of terrorism. Police are also investigating another alleged act of anti-Semitism on the same night, when protesters who splintered from a larger demonstration allegedly smashed a window, flipped tables, threw chairs and chanted "death to the IDF" outside Israeli restaurant Miznon. Hours later, offenders spray-painted three cars and a wall outside a Greensborough business in Melbourne's northeast before setting fire to the vehicles, destroying one and damaging two. Police have revealed they are investigating a fourth incident where offenders used stencils to spray paint offensive images on pillars at a busy intersection and a number of walls in Elsternwick. It came as hundreds gathered for a pro-Palestine rally in Melbourne on Sunday. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned "reprehensible anti-Semitic attacks" on both the Melbourne synagogue and restaurant. He urged the federal government to "take all action" against those responsible. None of the incidents have been declared terrorism-related but the force is increasing patrols around the synagogue and in the city's southeast. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, former attorney-general Mark Dreyfus and Melbourne MP Sarah Witty met with the synagogue's Rabbi Dovid Gutnick, president Danny Segal and his wife on Sunday morning. Mr Burke and Mr Dreyfus described the firebombing as an "attack on Australia" and the entire community. Mr Burke stopped short of declaring the alleged arson attack an act of terrorism, saying it would be up to Victoria Police to decide. He refused to be drawn on Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's demand the Australian government "take all action to deal with the rioters to the fullest extent of the law". Mr Burke said he spoke with the Israeli Ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon on Saturday night as news filtered through of plans for him to fly from Sydney for the Sunday's meeting. The ambassador took it as a signal of the government taking Friday's attacks very seriously, Mr Burke said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the synagogue arson as a "cowardly" act of violence and anti-Semitism and said the attacks on the restaurant and business were unacceptable. The federal government has offered federal police and security and intelligence agency support to investigators. "Those responsible for these shocking acts must face the full force of the law," he said. Victorian opposition police spokesman and Jewish MP David Southwick criticised Premier Jacinta Allan, who condemned the attacks in a statement, for not fronting the media over the weekend. "Where is the premier," he asked. "The Jewish community feel like there is a war zone here in Melbourne." Ms Allan is expected to visit the synagogue on Monday. The attacks come seven months after a blaze destroyed two buildings at the Adass Israel Synagogue in the city's south and forced worshippers inside to flee. The identity of a man accused of firebombing a synagogue has been revealed, as a series of alleged anti-Semitic attacks at several other locations draws international attention. Angelo Loras, 34, from Toongabbie in NSW, was arrested in Melbourne's CBD on Saturday night, about 24 hours after the front doors of the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation were allegedly set alight, forcing 20 people to flee. He has been charged multiple offences including reckless conduct endangering life, criminal damage by fire and possession of a controlled weapon. The 34-year-old appeared in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Sunday, where the court was told it was his first time in custody. He was remanded until a hearing on July 22. Detectives will investigate the accused man's intent and ideology to determine if the incident was an act of terrorism. Police are also investigating another alleged act of anti-Semitism on the same night, when protesters who splintered from a larger demonstration allegedly smashed a window, flipped tables, threw chairs and chanted "death to the IDF" outside Israeli restaurant Miznon. Hours later, offenders spray-painted three cars and a wall outside a Greensborough business in Melbourne's northeast before setting fire to the vehicles, destroying one and damaging two. Police have revealed they are investigating a fourth incident where offenders used stencils to spray paint offensive images on pillars at a busy intersection and a number of walls in Elsternwick. It came as hundreds gathered for a pro-Palestine rally in Melbourne on Sunday. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned "reprehensible anti-Semitic attacks" on both the Melbourne synagogue and restaurant. He urged the federal government to "take all action" against those responsible. None of the incidents have been declared terrorism-related but the force is increasing patrols around the synagogue and in the city's southeast. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, former attorney-general Mark Dreyfus and Melbourne MP Sarah Witty met with the synagogue's Rabbi Dovid Gutnick, president Danny Segal and his wife on Sunday morning. Mr Burke and Mr Dreyfus described the firebombing as an "attack on Australia" and the entire community. Mr Burke stopped short of declaring the alleged arson attack an act of terrorism, saying it would be up to Victoria Police to decide. He refused to be drawn on Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's demand the Australian government "take all action to deal with the rioters to the fullest extent of the law". Mr Burke said he spoke with the Israeli Ambassador to Australia Amir Maimon on Saturday night as news filtered through of plans for him to fly from Sydney for the Sunday's meeting. The ambassador took it as a signal of the government taking Friday's attacks very seriously, Mr Burke said. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the synagogue arson as a "cowardly" act of violence and anti-Semitism and said the attacks on the restaurant and business were unacceptable. The federal government has offered federal police and security and intelligence agency support to investigators. "Those responsible for these shocking acts must face the full force of the law," he said. Victorian opposition police spokesman and Jewish MP David Southwick criticised Premier Jacinta Allan, who condemned the attacks in a statement, for not fronting the media over the weekend. "Where is the premier," he asked. "The Jewish community feel like there is a war zone here in Melbourne." Ms Allan is expected to visit the synagogue on Monday. The attacks come seven months after a blaze destroyed two buildings at the Adass Israel Synagogue in the city's south and forced worshippers inside to flee.
