The firebombing of a Melbourne synagogue has been officially declared a terrorist attack and police chiefs reveal they are closing in on three suspects.
Victoria Police Commissioner Shane Patton said on Monday that detectives were searching for three people they believe are behind the attack on Melbourne’s Adass Israel synagogue, in the city’s southeastern suburb of Ripponlea.
The decision to officially classify the attack as an act of terrorism comes after the publication of images showing the destruction inside the synagogue.
Three masked criminals are believed to have set fire to the building early last Friday morning as worshipers began to arrive for morning prayers on the eve of the Jewish Sabbath.
Damage from the attack is estimated to be in the millions, and the synagogue was almost completely destroyed.
Photographers were given access to the building on Monday morning, with images showing the devastation burned inside.
Australian Federal Police Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett said the fire appeared to be “politically motivated”.
“We will not tolerate crimes that undermine Australia’s security or our way of life,” he said.
Total Massacre: Inside Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue
Images from inside Melbourne’s Adass Israel synagogue emerged on Monday
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan told reporters that declaring the attack as terrorist allowed more powers and resources for the investigation.
“What this means is… that additional resources can now be deployed to this investigation, an investigation that I know we will seek… (to) be resolved as quickly as possible,” Ms Allan said.
“We must let our police officers do the job, the good work that they have been doing to get us to this point this morning.”
The investigation will now move to the Joint Counter-Terrorism Team.
The declaration opens up a host of additional powers for investigators, including the ability to stop, search and capture people without a warrant, as well as detain and question those they believe have knowledge of or links to the attack.
Two of the synagogue’s three buildings were destroyed by the fire that broke out in the early hours of Friday.
Two people who were inside at the time preparing for morning prayers escaped and one of them suffered minor injuries.
More to come