First arrest made over synagogue arson attack
A young man has been arrested, accused of playing a direct role in the "politically motivated" firebombing of a synagogue.
Counter-terrorism police say the 21-year-old man is one-of-three people responsible for the arson attack at Melbourne's Adass Israel Synagogue.
There's been mounting pressure for police to make further arrests over the December 2024 fire, which destroyed two of the synagogue's three buildings.
Police expect further arrests and additional charges are anticipated.
Two congregants who were preparing for morning prayers escaped the blaze, with one suffering minor injuries.
Photos and CCTV footage released by counter-terror police in May showed three people in hoodies and masks getting out of a car before using an axe to damage the entrance of the building.
Detectives arrested a 20-year-old man in July over his alleged role in stealing a car linked to several high profile incidents, including the synagogue firebombing.
The man is next due to face court in October after being charged with car theft and failing to provide access to applications on his phone.
The stolen car was used in other offences, including the Lux nightclub arson at South Yarra in November, as well as an arson and shooting at Bundoora.
Police executed seven search warrants across Melbourne on Wednesday, seizing various items including electronic devices which will be forensically examined.
Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Wendy Steendam said the arrest marked a "significant step forward" in the investigation.
"Today's arrest is a demonstration of our ongoing efforts to hold those involved to account," she said.
"We now have charged two people as part of this investigation and I expect there will be more to come."
Police said they would interview the 21-year-old man in relation to several offences, including arson.
