Brisbane Synagogue Gates Damaged by Car; Man Charged with Hate Crime on Friday

The Brisbane Synagogue gates were rammed by a car on Friday night. A man has been charged with a hate crime, and police confirmed it was not terrorism.
By Newsroom | Crime, Australia |

Background and Timeline

On Friday evening, at approximately 7:15 PM, a vehicle, identified as a Toyota Hilux ute, allegedly rammed the front gates of the Brisbane Synagogue on Margaret Street. The gates were knocked down as a result of the impact.

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  • Within 90 minutes of the attack, a 32-year-old man from Sunnybank was located, arrested, and taken into custody.

  • Police confirmed they do not believe the man intended to injure anyone or to enter the synagogue itself, but rather to damage the gates.

  • The incident is being treated as a hate-related offence, amidst existing concerns about antisemitism in Australia.

  • Acting Superintendent Michael Hogan stated the attack was targeted towards the place of worship.

  • Police have indicated the investigation is ongoing.

Official Statements and Charges

Queensland Police have laid multiple charges against the 32-year-old man.

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"Police will allege the man intended to damage the gates, and that there was no indication he intended to enter the synagogue." - Superintendent Michael Hogan, ABC News

The charges include:

  • Serious vilification or hate crime

  • Wilful damage

  • Driving dangerously

  • Possessing dangerous drugs

Authorities have ruled out terrorism as a motive and stated there is no ongoing threat to the community. Premier David Crisafulli has spoken with police and leaders of Queensland's Jewish community, describing the incident as "very distressing."

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Examination of the Incident

Nature of the Attack

Police accounts indicate the ramming was specifically aimed at the synagogue's gates, rather than an attempt to breach the building or cause widespread harm.

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  • The vehicle's purpose, according to investigators, was to damage the gates.

  • There is no evidence suggesting an intent to injure individuals or infiltrate the place of worship.

  • The incident occurred outside of regular synagogue hours.

Motive and Investigation

While classified as a hate crime, police are emphasizing the incident's contained nature and the lack of broader terrorist intent.

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  • The primary motive is believed to be linked to antisemitism, classifying it as a hate crime.

  • Investigators are examining the driver's intent to damage the gates.

  • The driver is believed to have acted alone.

Community Impact and Response

The incident has caused significant concern among the Jewish community in Queensland.

  • Premier David Crisafulli acknowledged the distress caused to the Jewish community and assured the incident is being taken seriously.

  • Discussions are reportedly underway regarding proposed legislation aimed at protecting places of worship, with some stakeholders noting they were not consulted on draft bills.

Expert Analysis

  • Acting Superintendent Michael Hogan has clarified that the incident is not being treated as a terrorist act. He stated, "Police do not believe the man was trying to injure anyone." His comments underscore a focus on the specific act of damage and its hate-motivated classification rather than a broader security threat.

  • Premier David Crisafulli expressed that the event was "very distressing for the Jewish community in Queensland." This highlights the emotional and social ramifications of the incident beyond the physical damage.

Findings and Implications

The available evidence indicates that a 32-year-old man intentionally rammed his vehicle into the gates of the Brisbane Synagogue. This act is being formally investigated and prosecuted as a hate crime due to its targeted nature against a religious institution. Police have affirmed that the incident does not represent an act of terrorism and that the perpetrator acted alone, with no ongoing threat to public safety identified. The event has underscored community concerns regarding antisemitism and the protection of places of worship. Further details regarding the drug possession and dangerous driving charges are expected to emerge as the legal proceedings advance.

  • Charges: Serious vilification or hate crime, wilful damage, dangerous driving, drug possession.

  • Alleged Perpetrator: 32-year-old male from Sunnybank.

  • Incident Location: Brisbane Synagogue, Margaret Street.

  • Time: Friday evening, approximately 7:15 PM.

  • Police Stance: Targeted attack, not terrorism, individual acted alone.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened at the Brisbane Synagogue on Friday night?
A car rammed the front gates of the Brisbane Synagogue on Margaret Street around 7:15 PM on Friday. The gates were knocked down.
Q: Who was arrested and what are the charges?
A 32-year-old man was arrested within 90 minutes. He faces charges including serious vilification or hate crime, wilful damage, dangerous driving, and possessing dangerous drugs.
Q: Was this a terrorist act?
Police have stated that the incident is not being treated as a terrorist act. They believe the man acted alone and did not intend to injure anyone or enter the synagogue.
Q: Why is it being called a hate crime?
The incident is being treated as a hate-related offence because the attack was targeted at a place of worship, and it is being investigated in the context of concerns about antisemitism.
Q: How did the community react?
The attack caused distress within the local Jewish community. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli called the event "very distressing."