Police in Melbourne are urgently seeking to question a homeless man following a disturbing arson attack that saw a rabbi's vehicle firebombed in the city's southeast on Christmas Day.
Attack Targets Rabbi's Home in Early Hours
The incident occurred at approximately 2:50 am on Thursday, December 25, at a property on Balaclava Road in St Kilda East. A silver Mazda CX-8, which was displaying a prominent "Happy Chanukah" sign, was found alight in the driveway of the rabbi's family home.
At the time of the attack, the rabbi was overseas in New York with his daughter. However, his wife and their three young children, aged just one, four, and ten years old, were asleep inside the house. All were evacuated as a precautionary measure, escaping physical injury.
Police Identify Person of Interest
Following an intensive one-day investigation, Victoria Police have named 47-year-old John Argento as a person who may be able to assist with their enquiries. Authorities have released a photograph of Argento and provided a description.
He is described as approximately 185cm tall, with a thin build, blue eyes, grey hair, and a fair complexion. Police stated that Argento is known to them and currently has an outstanding arrest warrant for deception-related offences.
Investigators believe he lives a "transient lifestyle" and is known to frequent Melbourne's inner southern and northern suburbs. Police also wish to speak with him regarding a car break-in that occurred roughly 20 minutes after the arson attack.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Investigation
The attack, which occurred just 11 days after the Bondi terrorist attack that targeted a Hanukkah celebration, has sent shockwaves through the local Jewish community. Police are treating the firebombing as a targeted attack but have stated there is no specific indication that Argento poses a broader risk to the Jewish community.
Rabbi Gabi Kaltmann of the Ark Centre was vocal in his condemnation, labelling the act as terrorism. "This is terrorism. Someone's come to terrorise the Jewish community on Christmas morning," he said. "Bondi Beach is now soaked with Jewish blood. Is that what we are waiting for here in Victoria?"
Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Chris Gilbert acknowledged the profound impact of the crime. "We understand the devastating impact this type of offence has on our Jewish community," he stated, while reassuring the public that officers are prioritising the investigation and will maintain a visible presence in the area.
Officers conducted searches overnight, but no arrests have been made at this time. Police are urging anyone with information on John Argento's whereabouts to contact them immediately.
