Australian Federal Police said Friday that a third suspect has been charged over the December 2024 arson attack on the Adass Israel synagogue in Ripponlea, a suburb of Melbourne in the state of Victoria. For Chattanooga residents, faith leaders, and community safety groups tracking antisemitism and threats to places of worship, the immediate development is that the case is expanding and remains an active counter-terrorism investigation overseas.

The Australian Federal Police said the 20-year-old man was arrested in Williamstown, another Melbourne suburb, and charged with arson, endangering life, and motor vehicle theft. Police allege he was one of three men involved in the attack. Those allegations have been filed in court and have not been proven.

Authorities in Australia have also alleged Iranian involvement in attacks on Australian targets. Those are allegations made by the Australian government and intelligence agencies, and they will need to be tested through legal and national security processes. Readers can review our Editorial Policy and Source Transparency for how we handle official claims and unresolved allegations.

What police say happened in Melbourne

The Australian Federal Police said the Joint Counter Terrorism Team, a multi-agency unit that combines federal police, Victoria Police, and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, charged the third man on Friday. The team is investigating the fire at the Adass Israel synagogue, an Orthodox Jewish congregation in Melbourne.

  • The fire happened on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, at the synagogue in Ripponlea.
  • Police say three people entered the grounds and set the building alight.
  • Emergency crews responded and at least one worshipper was inside at the time, according to earlier police statements.
  • Three men have now been charged under Operation Astrolabe, the name given to the investigation.
"The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team has now charged three men allegedly involved in the arson attack on Melbourne's Adass Israel Synagogue," the Australian Federal Police said in its Friday media release.

Victoria Police said the latest accused was remanded to appear before Melbourne Magistrates' Court. Australian authorities have not said the case is complete, and the investigation remains active.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in an official statement that Australian agencies had advised him that a person acting on behalf of Iran was behind a series of attacks in Australia. In a separate public statement, ASIO, Australia's domestic intelligence service, also referred to Iranian involvement in attacks in Australia.

Those statements are significant, but they are still official allegations and assessments, not criminal findings made by a court in this synagogue case. The Australian Federal Police charging documents cited in public releases focus on the alleged conduct of the suspects, while the broader claims about Iran come from the prime minister and ASIO.

In his statement, the prime minister said security agencies had concluded that "a person acting on behalf of Iran" was responsible for attacks in Australia.

For Chattanooga clergy, synagogue leaders, mosque leaders, church security volunteers, and nonprofit boards, the practical takeaway is not a direct local threat bulletin tied to this case. It is a reminder that authorities abroad are treating attacks on religious sites as matters that can involve both hate crime concerns and national security concerns.

What Chattanooga readers can do locally

This case is centered in Australia, and no local Tennessee threat notice is attached to these charges. Still, for local congregations and community groups reviewing safety plans, the most useful next steps are close to home.

  • Report immediate threats or suspicious activity to 911.
  • For non-emergency concerns in Chattanooga, contact the Chattanooga Police Department through its non-emergency channels.
  • Faith institutions can review entry, lighting, and camera procedures with local law enforcement and security volunteers.
  • Residents tracking antisemitism or hate incidents can document details, preserve messages or footage, and report them promptly to police.

If your organisation is reviewing security practice or reporting procedures after incidents affecting places of worship, you can reach our newsroom through Contact Us with information we should examine in the public interest.

Reported by Australian Federal Police, Prime Minister of Australia, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, Victoria Police, Chattanooga Times Free Press.