The Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne suffered major fire damage last friday‚ prompting Australian authorities to step-up their response. Local fire-fighters and arson squad initially handled the case but everything changed today when officials re-classified it as terrorism
The investigation shifted to high-level counter-terrorism teams — a move that brings more resources and expertise. The newly-formed task force includes members from Victoria Police‚ Australian Federal Police‚ and the nations top spy agency (ASIO) working side-by-side
The quick re-classification shows how seriously authorities take threats to religious buildings: this decision means investigators can now access nation-wide databases special equipment and inter-agency support. The joint counter-terrorism team has already started their work at the fire-damaged building which sits in Melbourneʼs well-known jewish neighborhood