Police release video of Adass synagogue firebombing

Victoria's Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT) has released images and video of three men believed to be involved in firebombing the Adass Israel synagogue in December last year.

The CCTV images captured a blue VW Golf 2020 sedan driving up to the synagogue. Three men wearing hoodies and masks get out of the car and carry several jerry cans to the synagogue. One smashes a synagogue window with an axe and two men begin pouring the contents of the cans into the building, then climb through with jerry cans. A third man ferries additional jerry cans from the car. The two men who entered the synagogue return and then one man throws a light through the broken window, causing a large flash of fire.

Police released the footage at a media conference today, calling for the public to contact them if they recognise the individuals in the images or know anyone who had access to a blue VW Golf 2020 sedan at the time of these offences.

AFP Assistant Commissioner Counter Terrorism and Special Investigations Command Stephen Nutt said investigators believed there were multiple offenders directly and indirectly linked to the synagogue arson attack, and that some were "extremely violent".

He said police were continuing to treat the attack as terrorism but there was no evidence of state actors nor of involvement by neo-Nazi groups.

Police said the vehicle is a stolen car with cloned number plates which has been used in several other crimes, including a shooting in Bundoora, in Melbourne's north, on the same night as the synagogue attack, and a nightclub arson attack at the Lux nightclub in South Yarra a month earlier.

Police have arrested two men in relation to the nightclub fire but said there is no indication that the arrested men were directly involved with the synagogue fire, and that the car may have been passed around for use in multiple crimes.

AC Nutt warned those who may have been in the car for other reasons were now linked to a terrorism offence which carries a penalty of life imprisonment.

“This is no normal crime and that is why it is being investigated by the JCTT with the full force and capability of Victoria Police, the AFP and ASIO. Do not stay silent, come forward."

Victoria Police Counter Terrorism Command Assistant Commissioner Tess Walsh said police knew there were people who were aware of the vehicle and could help find the culprits.

“This was an attack that impacted Victorians’ feeling of safety and left people feeling deeply shocked, saddened and rightly concerned.

“I want to reassure Victorians, particularly those in the Jewish community, that we remain fully committed to finding those responsible for this act and holding them to account. I understand that it can be difficult when these matters take time, but again, make no mistake that this investigation remains a key priority for Victoria Police and the AFP and we are dedicated to bringing it to a successful conclusion as soon as possible.”