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Man Charged with Hate Crime After Vehicle Rams Brisbane Synagogue Gates
A 32-year-old is remanded in custody following an alleged antisemitic attack on a place of worship in Australia’s Queensland capital
A man has been formally charged after allegedly ramming his ute into the gates of the Brisbane Synagogue in Queensland’s capital on Friday evening, an incident police are treating as a hate crime.
The collision, captured on closed-circuit footage shortly after seven o’clock on Margaret Street in the central business district, saw a black Toyota Hilux reverse into and damage the synagogue’s front gates before fleeing the scene.
No injuries were reported.
Queensland Police located the vehicle soon after and arrested the 32-year-old Sunnybank man, who appeared via video link before Brisbane Magistrates Court and was remanded in custody ahead of further proceedings.
He faces multiple charges including wilful damage suspected to constitute a hate crime, dangerous operation of a vehicle and drug-related offences.
During the court appearance, he denied the hate crime charge while acknowledging ‘‘poor choices’’.
Authorities emphasised that the attack was a targeted act against the Jewish place of worship, though it is not presently classified as a terrorist offence.
Senior police officials indicated that the man’s mental health and intoxication were being considered as contributing factors in their ongoing inquiry.
The police maintain there is no evidence to suggest an ongoing threat to the broader community.
Leaders of the Queensland Jewish community expressed deep distress at the episode, stressing that synagogues should remain safe spaces for prayer and reflection.
State officials, including the Premier, condemned the act and reiterated support for forthcoming hate crime legislation designed to enhance protections for religious communities.
The matter continues to develop as investigations proceed and court dates are set.
The collision, captured on closed-circuit footage shortly after seven o’clock on Margaret Street in the central business district, saw a black Toyota Hilux reverse into and damage the synagogue’s front gates before fleeing the scene.
No injuries were reported.
Queensland Police located the vehicle soon after and arrested the 32-year-old Sunnybank man, who appeared via video link before Brisbane Magistrates Court and was remanded in custody ahead of further proceedings.
He faces multiple charges including wilful damage suspected to constitute a hate crime, dangerous operation of a vehicle and drug-related offences.
During the court appearance, he denied the hate crime charge while acknowledging ‘‘poor choices’’.
Authorities emphasised that the attack was a targeted act against the Jewish place of worship, though it is not presently classified as a terrorist offence.
Senior police officials indicated that the man’s mental health and intoxication were being considered as contributing factors in their ongoing inquiry.
The police maintain there is no evidence to suggest an ongoing threat to the broader community.
Leaders of the Queensland Jewish community expressed deep distress at the episode, stressing that synagogues should remain safe spaces for prayer and reflection.
State officials, including the Premier, condemned the act and reiterated support for forthcoming hate crime legislation designed to enhance protections for religious communities.
The matter continues to develop as investigations proceed and court dates are set.
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