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 about 8.15pm on Saturday evening.
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 was interviewed by detectives and 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”.
About 20 people were taking part in Shabbat inside the Albert Street synagogue 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 about 8pm on July 4.
He will appear before the Bail and Remand Court on Sunday.
More to come
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