Two men arrested after pointing fake gun at synagogue-goers in Sydney

• Two men were arrested after allegedly pointing an imitation gun at Jewish worshipers outside a Sydney synagogue, with police saying there is no ongoing threat following the incident.

Two men have been arrested after allegedly pointing an imitation firearm toward Jewish worshipers outside a synagogue in Sydney’s Double Bay neighborhood, according to Australian media reports.

Police were called to the scene at about 12:10 p.m. on Saturday, as congregants at the Chabad synagogue had gathered outside following the conclusion of Shabbat prayers.

Authorities reportedly tracked down the suspects’ vehicle, stopped it, and recovered what was initially believed to be a firearm. The object, later identified as an imitation pistol, has been seized for forensic examination.

The two suspects, aged 22 and 25, were taken to a police station for questioning and have reportedly been charged with multiple offenses. Police also collected statements from witnesses who were outside the synagogue when the incident occurred.

In an email to congregants after Shabbat, Rabbi Yanky Berger identified the suspects as French nationals working as Uber Eats drivers. He said the imitation firearm had been determined to be a water gun and was pointed toward a security guard affiliated with the local Community Security Group (CSG).

“I want to reassure everyone that our CSG security team and NSW Police responded quickly and professionally. There is no ongoing threat, and we will keep the community informed should there be any further updates,” Berger wrote.

Double Bay is located in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, near Bondi Beach, an area that has experienced heightened security concerns following a deadly attack on a Hanukkah event in December that left 15 people dead.