A second man has been arrested in connection with the disturbing anti-Semitic attack on the Newtown Synagogue in Sydney’s inner west. The 37-year-old was taken into custody on Thursday afternoon at a hotel in Pyrmont, marking the latest development in an investigation that has seen a series of arrests related to the attack.
Police released footage of the arrest, showing the suspect shirtless, barefoot, and visibly unsettled as officers apprehended him. This arrest follows that of 33-year-old Adam Moule earlier this week. Moule was arrested following a raid on his home in the early hours of Tuesday morning and is facing multiple charges related to the synagogue attack and other offenses.
Moule has been charged with reckless destruction or damage to property, destroying or damaging property in company by means of fire or explosives, cultivation of a prohibited plant, and unlawfully obtaining five debit cards. He was not required to appear in court on Thursday, and his bail was denied. Moule is expected to appear again in court next month for further proceedings.
The attack on the Newtown Synagogue took place on the morning of January 11, when red swastikas were painted along the front fence of the building. In addition to the defacement, there was an attempt to set the synagogue on fire. The crime sent shockwaves through the community and was condemned by local and national leaders, who expressed concern over the rise in anti-Semitic incidents.
Strike Force Pearl was established to investigate this attack and several other similar incidents across Sydney. In a statement, NSW Premier Chris Minns praised the work of police in apprehending the suspects involved. “I want to congratulate NSW Police for their dogged work investigating the Newtown Synagogue attack,” Premier Minns said. “NSW Police has now arrested 10 people under Strike Force Pearl, and investigators are not done yet.”
Premier Minns also expressed his commitment to responding to the increasing number of racist and anti-Semitic crimes in the state. He assured the public that authorities were taking decisive action and even hinted that legal changes could be on the table to address the issue.
The attack, along with the recent string of similar incidents, has spurred calls for stronger protection of religious institutions and more proactive measures to combat hate crimes in Sydney. Community leaders have called for unity and vigilance, emphasizing the importance of standing together to prevent further acts of hatred.
The involvement of multiple suspects and the clear intent to cause harm to the synagogue underscores the severity of the crime, which authorities are determined to address. Law enforcement has pledged to continue investigating the case thoroughly, ensuring that everyone involved is held accountable.
This incident is part of a troubling rise in anti-Semitic and hate-fueled crimes across the country, which has led to heightened concern among religious communities and civil rights organizations. The arrest of a second suspect is a step forward in bringing justice to the victims and preventing similar attacks in the future.
