Australian police hunt 3 suspects in ‘terrorist’ synagogue arson

Australian authorities have launched a manhunt for three suspects linked to an arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, which police have officially classified as a terrorist act.

The attack occurred before dawn on Friday when mask-wearing assailants set fire to the synagogue. The blaze gutted much of the single-storey building. No serious injuries were reported, even though some congregants were present during the incident.

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton revealed during a press conference that investigators have identified three suspects and are making “significant progress” in the case. However, specific details of the operation remain undisclosed to preserve the investigation’s integrity.

Federal and state police officials, along with Australia’s intelligence agency, met to assess the situation. They concluded that the act was likely terrorist in nature, prompting the involvement of counter-terrorism police in the probe.

Commissioner Patton expressed confidence in the terrorism designation, stating, “I am very confident that we now have had an attack, a terrorist attack on that synagogue.”

The synagogue attack has sparked discussions on security measures for religious communities and public spaces across Australia. It also highlights the ongoing need for vigilance against hate-fueled violence and terrorism.