A third man has been charged over the 2024 fire that destroyed the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea, as counter-terrorism investigators continue to examine what police describe as a politically motivated attack with possible overseas links.
Victoria Police and the Australian Federal Police said a 20-year-old Airport West man was charged on Friday with arson, conduct endangering life and theft of a motor vehicle. Police said he was already in custody on unrelated matters when the new charges were laid, and he is expected to appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court next Tuesday.
Charges follow months-long counter-terrorism investigation
The Adass Israel Synagogue fire began shortly after 4am on December 6, 2024, when early-morning worshippers were inside the building. They were forced to flee as the blaze tore through the synagogue, causing extensive damage and prompting a major investigation by Victoria’s Joint Counter Terrorism Team, involving Victoria Police, the AFP and ASIO.
The latest charge means three men accused of directly carrying out the alleged firebombing are now before the courts. A 20-year-old Meadow Heights man and a 21-year-old Werribee man were charged last year with the same core offences. Police have also previously charged a 20-year-old Melton South man over the alleged theft of what investigators described as a “communal crime car” used to travel to the synagogue on the day of the attack.
Authorities have stressed that the charges remain allegations and will be tested in court. The offences now before the courts include arson and conduct endangering life, reflecting the risk police say was posed to people inside and near the building when the fire was lit.
Police allege political motive and overseas links
AFP Assistant Commissioner Peter Crozier described the investigation as “highly complex” and said it was not finished. He said more than 200 members of the AFP and Victoria Police had been involved in the inquiry, which investigators believe has international connections.
“This investigation does have international connections and we will continue to work collaboratively with our international partners,” he said, according to ABC News. Police also said they believed the attack was politically motivated, a characterisation repeated by investigators as they appealed for further cooperation from the public.
Assistant Commissioner Crozier alleged that some people had deliberately lied to investigators during the inquiry and warned that attempts to obstruct justice would not be tolerated. Police have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers or the National Security Hotline.
Community told of latest arrest
Victoria Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul O’Halloran said officers had informed members of the synagogue community about the latest development. He acknowledged the arrest could revive distress for people affected by the fire, but said investigators remained focused on bringing those allegedly responsible before the courts.
“People deserve to feel safe and be safe in their community,” he said in comments reported by 7NEWS. He added that there was no place for attacks of this nature and said police and partner agencies would continue to pursue anyone involved, regardless of their role.
The fire drew widespread concern across Melbourne’s Jewish community and beyond, with police saying the incident created fear and unease well outside the immediate congregation. Investigators have framed the latest charge as a significant step, but not the end of the case.
Case returns to court next week
The Airport West man is due to face Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday. The other accused men remain before the courts, and the investigation is continuing.
For the Adass Israel community, the legal process is unfolding alongside the longer task of recovery and rebuilding after one of Melbourne’s most serious antisemitic attacks in recent years. Police say further information from the public could still be important as they seek to establish the full circumstances surrounding the fire and any wider network of involvement.
Sources: ABC News Australia and 7NEWS reporting on the Adass Israel Synagogue fire investigation.
