Two Charged over Burns’ office vandalism
Vandals smashed windows, defaced walls with slogans such as 'Zionism is Fascism', and lit fires outside causing significant damage to the property
Police have charged two people in connection with the attack on the office of Macnamara Labor MP Josh Burns.
Police said at the time that at least five individuals were involved in the incident.
An 18-year-old woman from Melbourne and a 17-year-old boy face charges of burglary and two counts of criminal damage following incidents in June and July.
The charges relate to two separate attacks, one on Burns’ office and another one later where a building on St Kilda Rd was vandalised with red paint.
The first incident occurred on June 19 at approximately 3:20 am when Burns’ office on Barkly Street, St Kilda, was attacked.
Vandals smashed windows, defaced walls with slogans such as “Zionism is Fascism”, and lit fires outside causing significant damage to the property.
In a second incident on July 17, a building on St Kilda Road in Melbourne was vandalised with red paint at around 4:40 am.
The 18-year-old woman has been granted bail and is scheduled to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on October 11.
The minor will face a children’s court at a later date.
Burns said in response to the arrests, “I am aware of the age of those who are charged by police, and I wish to make this broad comment. The decisions people make as young people don’t have to define the rest of their lives.”
He said his St Kilda Office has re-opened following extensive repairs and the public can now be welcomed back.
“I know this period has been an incredibly distressing for not only my staff and I, but for our whole community. We thank the police for their diligence in ensuring the law is upheld and our office and the residences above are safe places to be in,” Burns said.
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