Brisbane Synagogue ramming not a ‘terrorist incident’

The ramming of the Brisbane Synagogue on Friday night is not being treated as a “terrorist incident”, but North Brisbane District acting superintendent Michael Hogan said it was “definitely a targeted attack”.

Matthew De Campo, 32, fronted Brisbane Magistrates Court on Saturday charged with wilful damage serious vilification or hate crime, dangerous operation of a vehicle, possession of dangerous drugs and possession of utensils or pipes for use. Security footage captured him reversing his ute into the gates of Queensland’s oldest synagogue at about 7.16pm, narrowly missing the congregation’s vice president who had to jump out of the way.

De Campo represented himself at a bail application via video link on Saturday. Magistrate Deborah Vasta said he allegedly made antisemitic remarks during a police interview and “expressed a hatred for groups of people based on their religion, in this case Judaism”. He was denied bail and remanded in custody for mention on March 11.

Brisbane Synagogue Rabbi Levi Jaffe described the incident as an attack on Australian values and society.

“This is not just an attack on the Jewish community, it’s an attack on all of Australia because it is an attack on our value system,” Rabbi Jaffe said.