A 32-year-old man has been charged with a hate crime after a Toyota Hilux ute was driven into the gates of the Brisbane Synagogue on Margaret Street in the city’s central business district Friday night, causing significant damage.
Queensland Police allege the vehicle struck and knocked down the front gates of the synagogue at approximately 7:15pm, before fleeing the scene. Officers located the vehicle shortly after and took the man into custody. He has been identified as a resident of Sunnybank, a suburb of Brisbane.
The man appeared via video link in Brisbane Magistrates Court Saturday morning and was remanded in custody, according to police statements. He faces multiple charges including serious vilification or hate crime, wilful damage, and drug possession.
Acting Superintendent Michael Hogan stated that the incident is being treated as a hate crime, but is not currently being investigated as a potential terrorist act. “Police will allege the man intended to damage the gates, and that there was no indication he intended to enter the synagogue,” Superintendent Hogan said. He added that investigators believe the man acted alone.
No injuries were reported as a result of the incident. CCTV footage captured the moment the ute reversed into the gates, denting one and knocking the other off its hinges, with a person seen moving out of the way as the gate fell.
The incident comes as Queensland lawmakers are considering tougher anti-vilification and hate-speech laws, according to reports. Concerns about antisemitism in Australia have been heightened in recent months.
Police have not released further details regarding the alleged motivation behind the attack, and the investigation is ongoing.
