A man was charged with a hate crime after authorities say he used a vehicle to ram the gates of a Brisbane synagogue. Police report that a Toyota Hilux utility knocked down the gates at the Margaret Street property in Brisbane’s CBD shortly after 7 p.m. on Friday. The driver fled but was soon apprehended. No injuries were reported.
A 32-year-old man from Sunnybank is set to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on Saturday. He faces charges including wilful damage, serious vilification or hate crime, dangerous operation of a vehicle, and drug possession offenses.
Acting Superintendent Michael Hogan of Queensland Police emphasized that the attack targeted the synagogue but was not treated as a terrorist incident. He noted that specialist counter-terrorism detectives have been involved from the outset and that mental health and intoxication are being considered as contributing factors.
Hogan confirmed that the incident involved a targeted attack on a Jewish place of worship, which is reflected in the charges. Surveillance footage shows the vehicle ramming the gates; a person inside the synagogue grounds appeared to jump back as the ute struck, and investigators believe the driver did not intend to enter the building.
Libby Burke, vice-president of the Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies, said the state’s Jewish community is deeply distressed and that all Jews in Queensland should be able to attend synagogue and live without fear. She described the synagogue as a sacred place for prayer, reflection, and community, and noted that the attack affects the broader community as well.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli described the incident as concerning and said Jewish Australians would be distressed. He stated on social media that he has spoken with Jewish leaders and police, and reassured residents that the government is taking the matter seriously. He also indicated that proposed laws to protect places of worship would be forwarded to the next parliamentary sitting.
During an inquiry into the proposed legislation, the parliamentary committee heard that several stakeholders felt they had not been consulted before the bill was drafted. The Federation of Islamic Councils, the Islamic Council of Queensland, and the Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland indicated they had been bypassed in the process.
Under the draft laws, the Queensland attorney general would gain the power to outlaw certain phrases, with public use punishable by up to two years in prison. Police continue to investigate Friday night’s incident.
