Third suspect charged in Melbourne synagogue arson case as probe widens

Australian police have charged a third suspect in the arson attack on Melbourne’s Adass Israel synagogue, more than a year and a half after worshippers fled the burning building. The new charges were announced Friday by police in Victoria, the Australian Federal Police and a joint counterterrorism team. The suspect, a 20-year-old local man whose name has not been released, is facing ordinary criminal charges, not direct terrorism or antisemitism counts.

According to the indictment, he was one of three alleged instigators who entered the synagogue on December 6, 2024, poured flammable material and set the building alight while dozens of worshippers were inside. No one was killed or injured, but the damage was severe. He is charged with arson causing damage, reckless conduct endangering life and motor vehicle theft. Those offenses carry potentially decades in prison, including up to 15 years for arson and up to 10 years for each of the other charges.

With the latest filing, all three people allegedly involved in the attack itself have now been charged. Another person has also been accused of stealing the vehicle used in the assault. AFP Assistant Commissioner Peter Crozier said, “Today we can confirm that we have identified and charged all those we allege broke into the synagogue and carried out this appalling attack.” He added that the crime had created “real fear and unrest” in the community.

Victoria Police Acting Commissioner Paul O’Halloran said identifying those involved in antisemitic attacks remains a top priority, even after more than 18 months. Authorities are still urging the public to come forward with information, and they say some witnesses may have lied during questioning to hinder the investigation. The case has angered Jewish communities in Australia and abroad, especially because the charges remain criminal rather than terrorism-related, despite Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other officials saying the attack was one of two carried out on Iran’s orders. That broader dispute led Australia to expel Iran’s ambassador and close its embassy in Tehran.