Third person charged over Melbourne synagogue fire

Police have charged a third individual in connection with the deliberate fire that destroyed the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea, Melbourne, in December 2024.

The 20-year-old man from Airport West faces charges including arson, endangering life, and theft of a motor vehicle. The fire broke out shortly after 4 am on December 6, 2024, forcing worshippers inside the building to escape the blaze.

Victoria Police, in collaboration with the Australian Federal Police, made the arrest on Friday. This follows previous charges laid last year against a 20-year-old man from Meadow Heights and a 21-year-old man from Werribee, who also face the same charges. Additionally, a 20-year-old man from Melton South was charged last year with stealing a vehicle allegedly used in the attack.

Authorities believe the synagogue fire was deliberately lit. The Airport West man was charged while already in custody for unrelated offenses and is scheduled to appear in court next Tuesday.