A man has been charged over the theft of a vehicle connected to the firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne, an incident police continue to treat as a politically-motivated terrorist act.

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The 20-year-old from Williamstown was arrested on Wednesday by the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT), which includes Victoria Police, the Australian Federal Police and ASIO. Officers also searched a home in Melton South, where items were seized for further examination.

🚨 The SHOCKING truth about the synagogue firebombing

I ask politicians and police the hard questions and talk to the Melbourne Jewish community about the terrifying attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue.

Full story: https://t.co/GUoLWXDzwi
Sign: https://t.co/Z5GvPbQWps pic.twitter.com/4JA8MrVvjt

— Avi Yemini (@OzraeliAvi) December 7, 2024

Authorities allege the man stole a blue 2020-model Volkswagen Golf sedan from Melton on 29 November 2024. That same vehicle was later used in several serious crimes, including the synagogue arson attack in Ripponlea on 6 December 2024, the Lux nightclub firebombing in South Yarra, and a separate arson and shooting in Bundoora on the same night.

While the nightclub and Bundoora incidents are not being treated as politically motivated, the JCTT has reaffirmed that the synagogue fire remains under investigation as a terrorism matter.

“This remains the position of the JCTT, and the investigation remains a terrorism investigation,” a joint statement from the JCTT said.

🚨 SHOCKING: Premier Flees Scene When Confronted About Synagogue Firebombing in Melbourne

Jacinta Allan arrived for a photo op at the burned Jewish place of worship this afternoon, but things certainly didn't go to plan

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— Avi Yemini (@OzraeliAvi) December 6, 2024

The man has been charged with theft of a motor vehicle and failing to comply with an order under section 3LA of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth), which requires suspects to provide access to digital devices. He faced court on Thursday and was granted strict conditional bail to reappear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 3 October 2025.

The JCTT said the Ripponlea synagogue fire continues to be a priority and is being investigated using “significant resources across all agencies.”

Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information about the people involved.