Man Charged With Hate Crime Over Alleged Ramming of Brisbane Synagogue Gates

A 32-year-old man has been charged with a hate crime after allegedly crashing a vehicle into the gates of Brisbane’s main synagogue, in what police describe as a wilful attack on a place of worship.

The incident occurred about 7:16 p.m. on Feb. 20 when a black Toyota Hilux utility allegedly struck and knocked down the gates of the synagogue in Brisbane’s CBD before leaving the scene.

Queensland Police said officers quickly located the vehicle and arrested the driver without incident. No injuries were reported.

The Sunnybank man has been charged with a series of charges, including wilful damage, serious vilification or hate crime, dangerous operation of a vehicle, possession of dangerous drugs and possession of utensils for drug use.

“Investigations continue, however, it is believed the man acted alone and there is no ongoing threat to the community,” police said in a statement.

Police has released CCTV footage of the incident, which shows the ute allegedly driving through the synagogue gates. The driver appeared to narrowly avoiding a person standing behind the gates at the time.

Police also urged witnesses with further information or footage to come forward and assist with the investigation.

The alleged ramming comes amid heightened concern within Australia’s Jewish community over a series of anti-Semitic incidents since the Oct. 7, 2023 attack by the terrorist group Hamas.

One of the worst incidents was the Bondi Beach mass shooting on Dec. 14, 2025 that killed 15 people and wounded 40.

In Dec. 2024, an arson attack caused significant damage to the Adass Israel Synagogue. A 21-year-old man from Werribee was arrested and charged in 2025 over his alleged involvement.

In another case, a childcare centre was set alight and graffitied with anti-Semitic words in Sydney’s south-east overnight.

In August 2025, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the expulsion of Iran’s ambassador and suspended embassy operations in Tehran after the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation said it had gathered “credible intelligence” that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had directed at least two antisemitic attacks in Australia.