source : the age
Police have said the ramming of an inner-Brisbane synagogue on Friday night was not an act of terrorism, as they pointed to other factors behind the targeted attack.
Shortly after 7pm on Friday, a Toyota Hilux utility was driven towards the Brisbane Synagogue on Margaret Street, narrowly missing a passerby and knocking down the building’s gates.
Acting Superintendent Michael Hogan said a 32-year-old Sunnybank man had been taken into custody within 90 minutes of the attack.
Hogan said the attack was targeted towards the place of worship, which police had considered when charging the man on Saturday with multiple offences, including committing serious vilification or a hate crime, driving dangerously, and possessing dangerous drugs.
“It was definitely a targeted attack against the Jewish synagogue,” he said.
“I think what we need to keep in mind is there are a number of other considering factors, including mental health and intoxication, that really need to be considered in this circumstance.”
Queensland Jewish Board of Deputies vice president Libby Burke said the representative body was deeply distressed by the incident.
“This attack is not only an attack on my community, it is an attack on all of us,” Burke said.
“A synagogue is a sacred space, a place of prayer, reflection, and community.
“To see its gates viciously rammed is profoundly devastating and is not dissimilar to what we have seen throughout the globe – vehicles used as weapons to kill and harm Jews.”
CCTV footage of the incident showed a person behind the gates, but police said they did not think the individual was being targeted by the driver.
Hogan said the 32-year-old was known to police and was arrested without incident after being followed by Polair.
“He’s used his own motor vehicle, which greatly assisted the police in identifying who the person was,” he said.
Officers suspected the driver acted alone, and said there was no ongoing threat to the community.
On Saturday, Premier David Crisafulli said he had spoken to police and leaders of Queensland’s Jewish community.
“This is another signal as to why we have put strong laws before parliament to protect all people where they worship,” he said.
“We are going through the process, and I fully intend to have them passed during the next sitting of parliament.”
The driver was expected to appear before court on Saturday.
Police said the investigation was continuing, and urged anyone with relevant CCTV or dashcam footage of the incident to come forward.
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