Recently released footage captures the moment a man allegedly crashed into the renowned Brisbane Synagogue on Friday night before fleeing the scene.
The suspect, a 32-year-old Sunnybank resident whose identity has not been disclosed, is facing charges including willful damage, dangerous operation of a vehicle, possession of dangerous drugs, and possession of drug-use paraphernalia, according to Queensland Police.
Officials said the attack took place just after 7:15 p.m. local time Friday, when a black Toyota Hilux utility truck struck the synagogue on Margaret Street.
The footage shows the truck driving past the house of worship, then abruptly stopping and reversing into the gates, toppling one side.
The driver was then observed putting the vehicle back into drive and speeding away in the same direction.
Police located the vehicle and apprehended the driver without incident.
No one was hurt during the incident, officials reported.
The suspect, who is thought to have acted alone, is scheduled to appear in court on Saturday.
Authorities stated there is no ongoing threat to the community.
The incident happened two months after a father and son allegedly carried out an attack targeting a Jewish “Hanukkah by the Sea” celebration at Bondi Beach on Dec. 14.
Naveed Akram, 24, and his father, Sajid Akram, 50, are accused of murder and injuring dozens of others.
Sajid Akram was killed, and Naveed Akram was critically wounded in a gunfight with police at the scene.
Naveed Akram is charged with one count of committing a terrorist act, 15 counts of murder, 40 counts of attempted murder, and additional firearms and explosives offenses, according to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions’ website.
Weeks after the massacre, police clashed with anti-Israel demonstrators during Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Australia.
At least 27 people were arrested, including 10 for allegedly assaulting officers, after confrontations as authorities tried to clear thousands of protesters gathered near Sydney’s Town Hall, officials said.
Herzog warned of rising antisemitism during the visit, calling it a global emergency, and defended Israel’s actions in Gaza when asked about the protests.
Digital’s Efrat Lachter and