Man Arrested for Synagogue Arson, Police Sweep 7 Melbourne Sites

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke told briefed the Parliament on the investigations while acknowledging the pain felt by Australia’s Jewish community.

Members of the Synagogue recover items from the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, Australia on Dec. 6, 2024. Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images

A 21-year-old Werribee man has been arrested over his alleged involvement in the arson attack that caused significant damage to the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne in December 2024.

The arrest was made on July 30 by the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT), which includes members from Victoria Police, the Australian Federal Police (AFP), and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).

Authorities allege he is one of three individuals who broke into the synagogue and deliberately started the fire. Police say further arrests are expected in the coming weeks.

The man faces multiple charges, including arson, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. He may also be charged with theft of a motor vehicle and conduct endangering life, each carrying potential sentences of up to 10 years.

Earlier in the investigation, another individual was charged on July 16 for allegedly stealing a car used to transport the suspects to the synagogue on Dec. 6.

Multiple Raids Across Melbourne

Seven search warrants were also executed across Melbourne suburbs, including Point Cook, Toorak, Airport West, Hadfield, Werribee, Weir Views, and Coburg. Police have seized various items, including electronic devices, which will undergo forensic analysis.

During the raid at a Weir Views property, an AFP officer was seriously injured after being attacked by an unrestrained dog. The officer discharged his firearm during the incident.

The dog was later euthanised at a veterinary clinic, and the officer remains in hospital with serious bite wounds.

Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett of the AFP confirmed the case remains a high priority and is being treated as politically motivated.

“The gravity of this crime has not been lessened by time,” Barrett said.

Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Wendy Steendam described the arrest as a significant step forward and praised the ongoing cooperation between agencies.

Burke Updates Federal Parliament

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke briefed Parliament on the latest developments in the investigation. He also acknowledged the Jewish community’s pain and the time it has taken to make arrests.

“When there is an attack as reprehensible as this, people want to see someone being charged immediately, understandably,” Burke said.

“But there is always a tension between acting fast and ensuring every person involved is brought to justice.”

Burke confirmed the AFP is pursuing offshore suspects linked to the attack and reaffirmed the government’s support, including $250,000 initially allocated for the restoration of religious scrolls, and an additional $30 million in the federal budget to rebuild the synagogue and its community centre.

He also revealed that the rabbi of the synagogue and his family, who were on temporary visas, were granted permanent residency shortly after the attack, as a statement that “they belong” in Australia..

“This arrest cannot undo the pain and fear that it caused,” Burke said. “But it does send the strongest message that this kind of hate and violence has no place in Australia. An attack on a synagogue is an attack on Australia.”

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley also commended the work of law enforcement and echoed concern over growing antisemitism in the country.

“We in the opposition—and I know the government shares this view—are deeply concerned by the rise in antisemitism,” Ley said.

“It’s pleasing to know that the rebuilding of the synagogue and the community centre is going ahead. We must do more to educate and push back against hate.”