Queensland Man Charged with Hate Crime After Ramming Brisbane Synagogue Gates
Updated (2 articles)
Truck Rammed Synagogue Gates Friday Evening black pickup truck struck the front gates of the Brisbane Synagogue just after 7 p.m. on Friday, February 21, 2026, knocking them down before the driver reversed and fled the scene [1][2]. Police quickly located the vehicle and arrested a 32‑year‑old man without incident [1][2]. No injuries were reported among worshippers or passersby [1][2].
Authorities File Hate Crime and Vehicle Offense Charges The suspect faces multiple counts, including wilful damage, serious vilification (a hate‑crime charge), dangerous driving, and possession of a dangerous drug [1][2]. Both Queensland Police and the State Prosecutor listed these charges in a press release ahead of the suspect’s first court appearance scheduled for Saturday, February 22 [1][2]. The driver is alleged to have acted alone, and investigators recovered the truck, identified as a Toyota Hilux in one report and described as a black pickup in another [1][2].
Political Leaders React and Propose Protective Legislation Premier David Crisafulli called the attack “very distressing” for the Jewish community and announced plans to introduce stronger laws protecting places of worship in the next parliamentary sitting [1][2]. Labor leader Steven Miles also condemned the act and urged authorities to ensure community safety [2]. Earlier in February, Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Australia sparked nationwide protests, adding political tension to the backdrop of the incident [1].
Incident Occurs Amid Recent Surge in Antisemitic Violence The ramming follows a wave of anti‑Jewish attacks, most notably the December 2025 Bondi Beach shooting that killed 15 people during a Hanukkah celebration [1][2]. Newsweek linked the event to other recent vehicle‑ramming and mass‑shooting incidents worldwide, highlighting a broader pattern of hate‑motivated aggression [2]. Community leaders attribute the spike to heightened anger over the Israel‑Gaza war that began after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attacks [1][2].
Sources
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1.
CNN: Man Charged with Hate Crime After Truck Rams Brisbane Synagogue Gates: Reports a black pickup ramming the gates, includes footage of the crash, notes President Herzog’s visit protests and rising antisemitism, and cites Premier Crisafulli’s concern
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2.
Newsweek: Queensland Man Charged After Ramming Brisbane Synagogue Gates: Identifies the vehicle as a Toyota Hilux, details the court schedule, emphasizes the Premier’s push for new protective legislation, and situates the attack within a series of global hate‑motivated incidents
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Timeline
Oct 7, 2023 – Hamas militants launch attacks on Israel, igniting the Israel‑Gaza war that fuels global tensions and sparks a surge in antisemitic incidents worldwide, according to community leaders [1].
Dec 2023 – Two gunmen open fire on families celebrating Hanukkah at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, killing 15 people in Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly 30 years, marking a sharp rise in anti‑Jewish violence [1].
Dec 2024 – A vehicle rams a Christmas market in Germany, adding to a pattern of hate‑motivated crowd‑ramming attacks across Europe [2].
Jan 1, 2025 – A crowd‑ramming incident occurs in New Orleans on New Year’s Day, further highlighting the global spread of vehicle‑ramming as a hate‑crime tactic [2].
2025 – A Tesla Cybertruck explodes in Las Vegas during a public demonstration, intensifying concerns about dangerous vehicle‑related attacks [2].
Feb 2026 – Israeli President Isaac Herzog visits Australia, prompting nationwide protests and clashes between pro‑Palestinian demonstrators and police in major cities, including Sydney Town Hall [1].
Feb 21, 2026 – A 32‑year‑old man drives a black Toyota Hilux into the front gates of the Brisbane Synagogue just after 7 p.m., reverses away, and is later apprehended by police; the act triggers charges of wilful damage, serious vilification (hate crime), dangerous driving and drug possession, with no injuries reported [1][2].
Feb 21, 2026 – Queensland Premier David Crisafulli calls the attack “very distressing” for the Jewish community, says he has spoken with Jewish leaders and police, and pledges to push legislation protecting places of worship in the next parliamentary sitting [1][2].
Feb 21, 2026 – Queensland Labor leader Steven Miles condemns the ramming, stating that hate has no place in Queensland and that the Jewish community must always feel safe [2].
Feb 22, 2026 – The suspect appears in court on Saturday, facing multiple hate‑crime and vehicle‑offence charges, while authorities continue investigations into potential extremist motives [1][2].
Later 2026 – Queensland government aims to pass new legislation safeguarding religious sites during the upcoming parliamentary session, responding to the recent surge in antisemitic attacks [2].