A man has been charged with driving his car through the gates of Brisbane’s largest synagogue overnight.
Police were called to the scene at around 7.15pm on Friday night after a black ute allegedly struck the gate of the Brisbane Synagogue on Margaret Street in the CBD, knocked it down and then left the scene.
There were no injuries.
Police quickly located the car and took the 32-year-old man into custody.
Workers have been called in to repair the gate and the synagogue is closed until further notice. (ABC News: Tara Cassidy)
The man appears to have acted alone.
He has been charged with willful damage, serious defamation or hate crime, dangerous driving of a vehicle and drug offences.
He is scheduled to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court today.
Anyone with relevant information or video footage is urged to contact police.
“I’m very disappointed.”
Prime Minister David Crisafulli said in a statement posted on social media that he had discussed the “very disturbing” incident with police.
“This would be extremely devastating for the Jewish community in Queensland,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“I have spoken to Jewish leaders as well as police and I want to assure Queenslanders that we are taking this matter seriously.”
He said the incident was “another signal” for Congress to propose hate laws before they are needed.
“We are proceeding with the process and intend to pass it in the next Congress,” he said.
Opposition Leader Stephen Miles said he was “deeply troubled” by the incident.
“Queensland’s Jewish community should always feel safe and respected, especially in places of worship,” he said.
“There is no place for hate or intimidation in Queensland.”