A man has been charged following a suspicious fire at a synagogue in East Melbourne.
Detectives from the Counter Terrorism Security Investigation Unit charged the 34-year-old from Toongabbie, NSW after arresting him in the Melbourne CBD on Saturday evening about 8.15pm.
A security guard outside the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation on Saturday, after an arson attack at the synagogue on Friday night.Credit: Aaron Francis
He has been interviewed by detectives and was charged with reckless conduct endangering life, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, criminal damage by fire, and possession of a controlled weapon.
A police statement said that detectives would “continue to examine the intent and ideology of the person charged to determine if the incident is in fact terrorism”.
There were about 20 people inside the synagogue taking part in Shabbat when flammable liquid was poured on the front door of the building and it was set alight.
Police allege the man was seen walking through Parliament Gardens before entering the grounds of the synagogue on Albert Street on 4 July about 8pm.
He will appear before the Bail and Remand Court on Sunday.
More to come
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