People leave flowers and an Australian flag at a tribute at the Adass Israel Synagogue after a arson attack in Melbourne, Australia, in December 2024. A third suspected arsonist was arrested Friday. File Photo by Joel Carrett/EPA
June 19 (UPI) -- The Victoria, Australia, Joint Counter Terrorism Team charged a third man with arson in an attack on Melbourne's Adass Israel Synagogue in December 2024.
The unnamed suspect, 20, is from the Airport West area of Melbourne. He was charged with criminal damage by fire, conduct endangering life and theft of a motor vehicle. The arson charge carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, and the auto theft charge and endangering life both have a maximum of 10 years, a press release from the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organization said.
The man was already in police custody for unrelated charges. His next court appearance is set for Tuesday.
Police allege that he is one of three people who broke into the synagogue and deliberately set it on fire. The other two suspects have already been caught and are in custody.
