Queensland police have charged a man with a hate crime, accusing him of ramming his vehicle into a synagogue in Brisbane, Australia, according to local reports.
The suspect, 32, is due to appear in a Queensland court on Saturday to face charges including a hate crime, dangerous operation of a vehicle, possession of dangerous drugs, among other counts.
Police believe the man acted alone, Australian outlet News.com reported.
Why It Matters
Australia is still reeling from a terror attack in December in which a father and son drove to popular tourist destination Bondi Beach and opened fire on a gathering of Jewish people celebrating Hanukkah, killing 15 people. The attack had been planned for months, including training ahead of the shooting.
It sent shock waves throughout Australia and the global Jewish community, once again bringing into focus the continued threat of extremism and the vulnerability of minority communities, especially at a time when some Jewish communities feel less safe and believe antisemitism has increased following the October 7, 2023, Hamas terror attack against Israel.
Authorities are also concerned about the rise of car- and truck-based attacks, particularly in terrorism, like the ramming of a crowd on New Year’s Day 2025 in New Orleans, the detonation of a Tesla Cybertruck in Las Vegas on the same day, and the ramming of a crowd at a German Christmas market in 2024.
What To Know
A Toyota Hilux rammed through the gates of the Brisbane synagogue shortly after 7 p.m. Friday local time before the driver reversed and drove away, according to police, per the Brisbane Times.
Authorities intercepted the vehicle shortly thereafter and took the driver into custody. No one was harmed, and police said the driver was arrested without incident.
A spokesperson for Queensland police said that the investigation is ongoing, but authorities believe the man, who remains unnamed ahead of his court appearance, acted alone and that no ongoing threat to the community remains.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli in a post to X called the incident “distressing” for the Jewish community and wanted to assure residents that officials are “‘taking this seriously.”
“This is another signal as to why we have to put strong laws before Parliament to protect all people where they worship,” Crisafulli wrote in a statement posted on his social media, adding that he is pursuing the process to do so and fully intends to “have them passed during the next sitting of Parliament.” He said further details would be available on Saturday.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and urged anyone with relevant footage—like from a dashcam—to come forward and provide it to assist the investigation.
What People Are Saying
Crisafulli on X, in part: “I have been briefed about a very concerning incident at a synagogue in Brisbane overnight where a vehicle is alleged to have rammed the front gates. This will be very distressing for the Jewish community in Queensland,” adding, “Police will update Queenslanders with further details today.”
Queensland Labor leader Steven Miles, on X: “I was deeply troubled to hear about the incident at the Brisbane Synagogue overnight. Queensland’s Jewish community should always feel safe and respected, especially in a place of worship. There is no place for hate or intimidation in Queensland.”
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