Third man charged over Adass Israel shule arson

Police personally briefed the Adass Israel community before announcing that a 20-year-old Airport West man has been charged over the December 2024 arson attack on its Ripponlea synagogue.

They say all three men allegedly responsible for setting the fire have now been brought before the courts, confirming that investigators had engaged with the Jewish community and those affected before the charge was made public.

“Investigators certainly have engaged with the Jewish community and the impacted parties earlier, so they’re aware of what’s occurred, and our heart goes out to them again,” he said.

“This brings back this terrible incident, but we certainly have engaged with people appropriately.”

Victoria Police Acting Assistant Commissioner O’Halloran said he hoped the news brought the community a sense of comfort.

“I’m sure it brings a sense of comfort that they know that Victoria Police, the AFP and the security agencies are doing all they can,” he said, adding that the feedback he had received was that the community was “very happy with the work that we’re undertaking as part of this investigation”.

The charges were announced in a joint statement by the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation.

The man faces charges of criminal damage by fire (arson), conduct endangering life and theft of a motor vehicle under the Crimes Act 1958 (Vic). Arson carries a maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment, while the other two charges each carry a maximum of 10 years.

He was charged by Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) investigators on Friday, 19 June 2026, at the Metropolitan Remand Centre, where he is in custody for unrelated offences.

He is expected to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 23 June.

Police allege he is one of three individuals who broke into the synagogue and deliberately set the fire on 6 December 2024.

Under Operation Hilfield, the JCTT has now charged all three alleged offenders accused of directly setting the synagogue alight.

A Werribee man, 21, was charged on 30 July 2025, and a Meadow Heights man, 20, was charged on 21 August 2025, both for their alleged roles in breaking into the synagogue and setting the fire.

A Melton South man, 20, was charged on 16 July 2025 for allegedly stealing a car alleged to have been used to drive to the synagogue.

O’Halloran said identifying those involved in antisemitic attacks remained a priority for the force.

“While over 18 months have passed since the fire at the Adass synagogue, we have remained firmly focused on ensuring those who bring harm to our community are put before the court,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter what role someone may play, if you are involved in an incident such as this then I can assure you police and our partner agencies will do everything we can to fully investigate and hold you to account for your actions.”

O’Halloran said the attacks were designed to create fear and distress “when people of all faiths and backgrounds deserve to feel safe in our state”.

He warned that arson attacks “can easily end in death or serious injury”, and moved to reassure the community there was no indication of further attacks being planned.

“I’d reassure the community, the community is safe,” he said.

AFP Assistant Commissioner Peter Crozier said the AFP, Victoria Police and ASIO had remained “laser focused” on identifying those responsible, and acknowledged the patience and ongoing support of the Jewish community throughout the investigation.

“The AFP, together with our Victorian joint counter-terrorism partners, would like to acknowledge again the patience, the support and the ongoing support that has been provided by the Jewish community, particularly not only just across Australia, but particularly from the Adass Israel Synagogue, as we work to bring those responsible for this offence to justice,” he said.

“Today, the Victoria JCTT is able to confirm that we have identified and charged those we allege attended the synagogue and carried out this deplorable attack. There is no understating the fear and genuine sense of unease this crime created in our society.”

Crozier described the matter as a politically motivated crime and confirmed it remains an active investigation, leaving open the possibility of further charges depending on the evidence.

He said the operation had reached this point thanks to the significant assistance of community members, and appealed for further help.

He revealed investigators believed some individuals had actively lied to the JCTT, likely in an attempt to hinder the investigation.

“Let me be very clear. You will not obstruct justice. Now is the time for you to come forward and do the right thing,” he said.

Information can be provided to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at the Crime Stoppers Victoria website. A confidential report can also be made to the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.