Sunnybank man Matthew De Campo has been charged with Brisbane synagogue ramming hate crime
The man accused of targeting a Jewish house of worship will remain in custody until at least April.
Police have charged Sunnybank man Matthew Alexander Donald De Campo, 32, with driving his Toyota HiLux into the Brisbane Synagogue on Margaret St in the early evening of February 20.
It is also alleged that Mr. De Campo acted alone and targeted the synagogue in an act of hate.
CCTV footage of the alleged attack showed the driver of a Toyota HiLux at the synagogue gates, narrowly avoiding a man standing behind the gate when he was shot.
Mr De Campo’s case was quickly mentioned in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday, without an application for bail.
Mr. De Campo is formally charged with willful harm, serious libel or hate crime, dangerous driving, possession of utensils or pipes for use, and possession of dangerous drugs.
He was arrested and detained on the night of the incident and remained there.
Upon Mr De Campo’s arrest, North Brisbane District Acting Superintendent Michael Hogan gave assurances that the incident was not being investigated as an act of terrorism.
“Specialist counter-terrorism officers have been involved in the investigation from the very beginning and I can confirm that this is not considered a terrorist incident,” he said.
“Police consider the man’s mental health and intoxication as contributing factors.”
Mr Hogan said the alleged attack on the Brisbane synagogue was deliberate.
“There was definitely a targeted attack on the Jewish synagogue,” he said.
“No one was injured, including the person who was present during the CCTV and the main suspects in this matter.
“The camera footage clearly shows (the driver) intended to damage the doors.”
Speaking in the immediate aftermath of the alleged attack, Libby Burke, Deputy Chair of the Queensland Board of Jewish Deputies, described her community’s fear.
“This attack is not just an attack on my community, it is an attack on all of us,” he claimed.
“This attack could have easily resulted in serious injury or worse.”
Mr. De Campo is expected to appear in court again on April 15, 2026.
