Man Charged After Ramming Brisbane Synagogue Gates on Friday Night

A ute rammed the gates of the Brisbane Synagogue on Friday night. Police have charged a man with a hate crime.
By Newsroom | Crime, Brisbane |

Context

On Friday evening, around 7:15 PM, a black ute, identified as a Toyota Hilux, drove into the front gates of the Brisbane Synagogue located on Margaret Street in the city's central business district. The impact caused the gates to be knocked down. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene.

Police quickly responded to the incident. Within 90 minutes of the event, a 32-year-old man from Sunnybank was apprehended. Investigators believe the man was acting alone. The vehicle was located by police shortly after the incident.

Man charged after ute rams Brisbane Synagogue in ‘targeted attack’ - 1

Evidence

  • Police Allegations: Queensland Police allege the vehicle struck and knocked down the front gates of the Brisbane Synagogue. They further allege the man intended to damage the gates, not to enter the synagogue.

  • Incident Time: The incident occurred about 7:15 PM on Friday.

  • Vehicle Involved: A black Toyota Hilux ute.

  • Damage: The front gates of the synagogue were knocked down.

  • Driver Apprehended: A 32-year-old Sunnybank man was arrested within 90 minutes of the incident.

  • Police Classification: The incident is being treated as a hate-related offence. Police have stated it is not being treated as a terrorist incident.

  • Suspect Acting Alone: Investigators believe the man was acting alone.

  • No Injuries: No one was injured during the incident.

  • Video Footage: CCTV footage captured the moment the ute approached the gates, turned away, reversed, and then rammed the gates before driving off.

Criminal Charges

The 32-year-old man has been charged with wilful damage and serious vilification or hate crime. He was expected to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on Saturday.

Official Statements

"Police do not believe the man was trying to injure anyone. … police will allege the man intended to damage the gates, and that there was no indication he intended to enter the synagogue." - Superintendent Hogan

"We are going through the process and I fully intend to have them passed during the next sitting of parliament." - Official on proposed laws (context of enhanced protections for places of worship)

"This is another signal as to why we have put strong laws before parliament to protect all people where they worship." - Official on proposed laws

"When a synagogue is deliberately attacked, the label matters less than the impact." - Acting Superintendent Michael Hogan

"Very distressing for the Jewish community in Queensland." - Premier David Crisafulli

Community and Political Reaction

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli stated the incident was "very distressing for the Jewish community in Queensland." He confirmed he had spoken with police and leaders of Queensland's Jewish community and assured the public the incident was being taken seriously. The Premier also commented on proposed legislation aimed at protecting people at places of worship.

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Man charged after ute rams Brisbane Synagogue in ‘targeted attack’ - 2

Investigation Details

Police are continuing their investigation into the incident. While the driver is in custody and charged, the motivation behind the alleged attack is central to the ongoing inquiry, especially given the classification as a hate crime. Authorities have indicated there is no ongoing threat to the community.

Conclusion

A 32-year-old man faces charges of wilful damage and serious vilification or hate crime following an incident where a ute rammed the gates of the Brisbane Synagogue. Police are treating the event as a targeted, hate-related offence, emphasizing that the intent appeared to be property damage rather than causing injury or gaining entry. While the immediate threat is believed to be contained with the man's arrest, the event has caused distress and prompted discussions about legislative measures to protect places of worship.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was charged after the Brisbane Synagogue gates were rammed on Friday?
A 32-year-old man from Sunnybank has been charged with wilful damage and serious vilification or hate crime. He was arrested within 90 minutes of the incident.
Q: What happened at the Brisbane Synagogue on Friday night?
A black ute intentionally rammed the front gates of the Brisbane Synagogue on Margaret Street around 7:15 PM. The gates were knocked down, and the driver fled the scene.
Q: Was anyone hurt in the Brisbane Synagogue incident on Friday?
No, police have stated that no one was injured during the incident. The driver's alleged intent was to damage the gates, not to harm anyone or enter the building.
Q: How are the police treating the Brisbane Synagogue incident?
Police are treating the incident as a hate-related offence. They have confirmed it is not being treated as a terrorist incident and believe the man was acting alone.
Q: What was the reaction to the Brisbane Synagogue ramming?
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli called the incident "very distressing" for the Jewish community and assured it was being taken seriously. Discussions about new laws to protect places of worship have also been mentioned.