Victoria Police Arrest Second Man Over Melbourne Synagogue Arson

Victoria police have arrested a 21-year-old man from Werribee in connection with the politically motivated December 2024 arson attack on Melbourne's Adass Israel Synagogue, which destroyed two of its three buildings. The man is alleged to be one of three individuals who broke into the synagogue and set the fire, and he faces charges including arson, endangering life, and motor vehicle theft. This arrest follows a previous charge against a 20-year-old man accused of stealing a car used in the attack and other related crimes, including the Lux nightclub arson and an incident in Bundoora. Police executed seven search warrants across Melbourne, seizing electronic devices for forensic examination, and expect further arrests and charges. Authorities emphasized the seriousness of the crime and their commitment to holding all involved accountable, with officials describing the attack as despicable and stressing the importance of safety at places of worship. The investigation remains ongoing with calls for public assistance to identify others involved.