Police are examining the electronic devices of a man accused of firebombing a Melbourne synagogue as they continue to hunt for a motive for the alleged attack, which occurred when 20 people were inside the building.
Angelo Loras, 34, faced Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday after being charged over the alleged firebombing at an East Melbourne synagogue on July 4.
Angelo Loras, 34, did not apply for bail and entered no plea at Tuesday’s hearing.
Charge sheet documents released by the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court allege Loras set the front doors of the East Melbourne Synagogue on fire, causing an estimated $5000 in damage.
He has been charged with committing arson, as well as possessing a control weapon, reckless conduct endangering life and criminal damage by fire.
Loras did not apply for bail and entered no plea at Tuesday’s hearing.
Police allege Loras was seen walking through Parliament Gardens in the moments before the fire, entering the grounds of the synagogue on Albert Street about 8pm on July 4.
Flowers laid at the East Melbourne Synagogue’s charred doors earlier this month.Credit: Justin McManus
He then allegedly poured flammable liquid on the front door of the religious building and set it alight before fleeing.
The NSW man, who appeared via video link from prison wearing a white T-shirt and sporting a beard and long, dark hair, remained expressionless throughout the brief hearing.
Police prosecutor Anthony Albore told the court two electronic devices had been seized by investigators and were being examined in a bid to determine a motive behind the alleged attack.
“If there is evidence obtained from those devices, that may establish a motive to this particular crime,” he said.
He said if a motive was discovered by police, there was a chance the case could go to trial in a higher court.
Loras’ lawyer asked the court to adjourn the matter to later this year and sought a sentence indication if his client was to plead guilty to the charges.
A police statement released at the time of the fire earlier this month said detectives would “continue to examine the intent and ideology of the person charged to determine if the incident is, in fact, terrorism”.
About 20 people, including children, were taking part in Shabbat inside the historic Albert Street synagogue when flammable liquid was poured on the front doors of the building, and they were set alight.
The congregants were able to evacuate the building, and no injuries were reported.
The alleged arson attack was the second on a Jewish place of worship in Melbourne since December, when a fire destroyed the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea in the city’s inner south-east.
It is also one of several alleged acts of antisemitism across the city, including a protest incident at CBD Israeli restaurant, Miznon, on July 5.
The incident followed a larger protest about the war in the Middle East involving about 70 people on Swanston Street earlier the same evening.
It is alleged about 20 people splintered off and went to the Hardware Lane restaurant where police said chairs were thrown, and a glass door was damaged.
Loras will next face the court on September 12.
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.