A Toyota Hilux utility crashed into the front gates of the Brisbane Synagogue on Margaret Street shortly after 7pm on Friday, damaging the entrance in a targeted incident.
Incident Details
The vehicle struck the gates, narrowly missing a passerby, before speeding north along the street. CCTV footage captured a person behind the gates at the time, though police confirm this individual was not the target.
Swift Police Response
Officers intercepted the vehicle within 90 minutes using Polair surveillance. The 32-year-old driver from Sunnybank was arrested without incident. Authorities note he acted alone and used his own registered vehicle, aiding quick identification. He remains known to police.
Charges Filed
The man faces multiple charges, including serious vilification or hate crime, dangerous driving, and possession of dangerous drugs. He appeared in court on Saturday.
Acting Superintendent Michael Hogan stated the attack targeted the place of worship specifically, but emphasized it does not constitute terrorism. “He’s used his own motor vehicle, which greatly assisted the police in identifying who the person was,” Hogan said.
Community Reaction
Libby Burke, vice president of the Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies, expressed deep distress. “This attack is not only an attack on my community, it is an attack on all of us,” she said. “A synagogue is a sacred space, a place of prayer, reflection, and community. To see its gates viciously rammed is profoundly devastating and is not dissimilar to what we have seen throughout the globe – vehicles used as weapons to kill and harm Jews.”
No one was injured, and police assure no ongoing threat to the community.
Government Response
Premier David Crisafulli spoke with police and Queensland Jewish leaders. “This is another signal as to why we have put strong laws before parliament to protect all people where they worship,” he said. “We are going through the process, and I fully intend to have them passed during the next sitting of parliament.”
Ongoing Investigation
Police continue probing the matter and request anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward.1415
