Men point fake gun at Sydney synagogue

Two men have been charged after allegedly pointing what appeared to be a firearm at a Sydney synagogue.

Police were called to Kiaora Road, Double Bay, about midday on Saturday following reports that a man inside a car was pointing what looked like a gun at Chabad Double Bay, while congregants were gathered out the front.

“Officers attached to Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command attended the scene and commenced a search of the area to locate the car,” NSW Police said in a statement. “Following inquiries, police – with assistance from officers attached to Operation Shelter, Kings Cross and Surry Hills Police Area Commands – stopped a Toyota SUV at the corner of Bayswater and Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross.

“During a search of the Toyota, police located and seized an imitation pistol for forensic examination. Two men – aged 22 and 25 – were arrested at the scene.”

The men were taken to Kings Cross Police Station before being transferred to Surry Hills Police Station. The 22-year-old man was charged with use offensive weapon with intent to commit indictable offence, possess unauthorised pistol, and stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm (personal). The 25-year-old man was charged with possess unauthorised pistol.

In an email to Chabad Double Bay’s distribution list on Saturday after Shabbat, Rabbi Yanky Berger said the imitation firearm was pointed at CSG security personnel.

“Police have since advised us that the two individuals, who are French nationals working as Uber Eats drivers, have been charged with several offences. The firearm was determined to be a fake (a water gun). The police investigation is continuing,” he said.

“I want to reassure everyone that our CSG security team and NSW Police responded quickly and professionally. There is no ongoing threat, and we will keep the community informed should there be any further updates.

“We are grateful to the CSG volunteers and to NSW Police for their swift and professional response.”