<div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>A second man has been arrested in relation to a firebombing that </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/suspicious-fire-damages-melbourne-synagogue/b4f7cc7b-ec15-424d-8dba-238cf4066302" rel="" target="" title=" severely damaged the Adass Israel Synagogue"><span>severely damaged the Adass Israel Synagogue</span></a><span> in December 2024.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>A 21-year-old Werribee man is expected to be questioned by police today after he was arrested by the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism team.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Police will allege the man was one of three individuals who broke into the Ripponlea Synagogue and started the fire on December 6.</span></div></div><div><div id="adspot-mobile-medium"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/world/japan-says-a-powerful-magnitude-8-earthquake-has-hit-near-russias-kamchatka-peninsula-and-issues-a-tsunami-advisory/0c7b95bf-09a1-466c-b979-823c1bb7b2f0" target="_blank"><strong><span>Tsunami advisories issued after powerful, magnitude 8 earthquake hits near Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The synagogue, in Melbourne's south-east, was left gutted by the blaze in an attack that deeply rocked the local Jewish community.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>It's understood the man could face charges including arson, conduct endangering life and theft of a motor vehicle.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Further arrests and charges are expected soon, police said.</span></div></div><div><div class="OUTBRAIN" data-reactroot="" data-src="//www.9news.com.au/national/adass-israel-synagogue-fire-arrest/6dd1ace8-c849-4613-bd7f-4db978bda884" data-widget-id="AR_5"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Alongside the arrest, detectives today executed seven search warrants in Point Cook, Toorak, Airport West, Hadfield, Werribee, Weir Views, and Coburg.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Various items, including electronic devices, were seized.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>On July 16 </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/melbourne-synagogue-arson-attack-man-charged-with-car-theft-in-connection-with-incident/eae1377f-3a02-4f0c-8432-6d142ce26cf7" rel="" target="" title="police charged another man"><span>police charged another man</span></a><span> over allegedly stealing a car which is alleged to have been used to drive to the synagogue on the night of the fire.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The offence of arson carries a maximum penalty of 15 years' jail, while theft of a motor vehicle and conduct endangering life both carry a maximum 10-year sentence.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE: </span></strong><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/multiple-people-injured-in-mini-bus-crash-in-nsw-hunter-valley-regionx/ea21466a-6056-42a4-adee-3c67861f4995"><strong><span>Six injured in mini bus crash in NSW Hunter Valley</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Wendy Steendam said assistance from the public had been "absolutely crucial" in the investigation.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"We know there are people out there with information that will progress this investigation – whether that is people we have already spoken to or others who are yet to come forward," Steendam said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Again, I appeal for those people to contact police. If you have any details at all about those involved and their motivation, then we want to hear from you.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Even the smallest detail or piece of information could prove crucial."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/the-wiggles-paid-by-youtube-to-lobby-government-over-social-media-ban/b8e598fe-d6d5-4633-990a-2ef58db5e886" target="_blank"><strong><span>Wiggles lobbied against YouTube Under-16 social media ban, Wells says</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>AFP Deputy Commissioner National Security Krissy Barrett said the investigation, which is being treated as a "politically-motivated crime", remains a top priority for all agencies involved.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"We will not let this go unpunished in Australia. And that's why we have responded with relentless determination to pursue those responsible and hold them to account.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"This crime was despicable as it was dangerous, and it is important to acknowledge that this was not just an arson on a synagogue.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"The effect of this crime has rippled through a community that continues to be targeted by criminals.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"We will not stand for this, and I want to reassure the public that this is not just a priority investigation for the JCTT, but also for the AFP."</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Anyone with information relevant to the investigation is urged to contact investigators.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><a href="https://9.nine.com.au/Z8tJCf"><em><strong><span>Sign up here</span></strong></em></a><span> </span><em><strong><span>to receive our daily newsletters and breaking news alerts, sent straight to your inbox.</span></strong></em></div></div>