Overview
- Police say worshippers at Chabad Double Bay were threatened when occupants of a passing SUV appeared to point a pistol toward the building on Saturday around midday.
- Officers stopped the Toyota SUV in Kings Cross, recovered what police described as an imitation firearm and arrested two men who were later charged with weapons and related offences.
- The 22-year-old, named by police as Neils Baholet, faces counts including using an offensive weapon with intent, unauthorised pistol possession and stalking while the 25-year-old, Merouan Meye, faces a charge of unauthorised pistol possession.
- Reporting differs on immediate outcomes with some outlets saying bail was granted under strict conditions and others saying bail was refused, and at least one report says forensic work later identified the object as a water gun pending official confirmation.
- Community leaders praised the rapid police and Jewish security response and warned the episode worsens already high anxiety following last December’s deadly Bondi attack, while investigators prepare forensic results and July court dates to resolve the case.