Victoria police have charged a third man in connection with the alleged arson attack on the Adass Israel synagogue. The 20-year-old from Airport West faces charges including criminal damage by fire, conduct endangering life, and theft of a motor vehicle.
The development marks another step in a case that has drawn significant attention. Investigators continue to pursue leads related to the December incident, which community leaders condemned as an act of hate.
Meanwhile, Geoscience Australia recorded two small earthquakes in New South Wales this morning. A 3.4 magnitude quake near Orange at 5:45 am was felt by at least 108 people, while a 3.2 magnitude temblor near Wilcannia two hours earlier was reported by just two individuals.
The tremors caused a goldmine to evacuate and pause operations, according to local reports. No injuries or major damage have been reported from the seismic events.
Authorities have not indicated whether the man charged in the synagogue case has any connection to the two individuals previously arrested in the investigation.