Adass Israel Synagogue arsonist identified as Giovanni Laulu in first court appearance

Giovanni Laulu has been named and charged over the firebombing of the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne last December. One of three alleged offenders, he made his first court appearance on Thursday.

A 21-year-old man accused of being one of the attackers in the firebombing the Adass Israel Synagogue has faced court for the first time, following his arrest during a series of counter-terrorism raids across Melbourne.

Giovanni Laulu appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday morning, charged with arson, recklessly endangering life, and vehicle theft over the attack on the synagogue in Ripponlea in December.

Dressed in a long-sleeved black shirt and sporting a thin moustache and beard, Mr Laulu sat quietly in the dock, only speaking to confirm his identity.

He maintained eye contact with the magistrate and nodded in acknowledgment of directions. He did not apply for bail and was remanded in custody.

The court heard federal and state police were still preparing an extensive brief of evidence against Mr Laulu, with 11 mobile phones yet to be analysed.

Prosecutors requested – and were granted – 12 weeks to finalise their case, with Magistrate Brett Sonnett setting a deadline of October 23.

People lay flowers at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea that was firebombed last December. Picture: David Crosling

Mr Laulu was arrested on Wednesday morning during a high-stakes operation led by the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team – a task force comprising Victoria Police, Australian Federal Police and ASIO – which executed a series of co-ordinated raids across Melbourne suburbs.

He is accused of being one of three people who set fire to the synagogue on December 6, 2024.

CCTV footage released this year shows masked men smashing their way into the $20m synagogue, with one carrying a red jerry can before flames engulfed the building.

The fire caused millions of dollars in damage to the synagogue and destroyed priceless religious artefacts, including centuries-old Torah scrolls.

Extensive damage to the interior of the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea after it was firebombed. Picture: Yumi Rosenbaum

Police allege the group arrived at the scene in a stolen blue Volkswagen Golf, previously described as a “communal crime car” allegedly used in a string of unrelated incidents – including a firebombing at South Yarra’s Lux Nightclub.

According to charge sheets released by the court, Mr Laulu allegedly stole the $40,000 vehicle the night before the synagogue attack, taking it from an address in Tarneit.

On Wednesday, AFP Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett confirmed police were examining potential links to overseas criminals.

She said an AFP officer was bitten by a dog during Mr Laulu’s arrest at a Werribee property.

A police firearm was discharged during the arrest and the dog was later euthanised at a veterinary clinic.

Investigations remain ongoing and authorities said they expected to make further arrests.

Another man allegedly involved in stealing the Volkswagen Golf was charged on July 16.

Mr Laulu is due to reappear via video link at Werribee Magistrates Court on August 6 for the state charges.

His federal charges will return to court on December 4 for a committal mention.