Tuesday, May 12, 2026
ADVT 
National

Vancouver Police release video showing suspect in synagogue arson

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 26 Jun, 2024 11:38 AM
  • Vancouver Police release video showing suspect in synagogue arson

Police in Vancouver have released video showing a man who is believed to have set fire to the front entrance of a synagogue last month in the hope that someone may recognize the suspect. 

The security video shows a man wearing a dark jacket, light ball cap and a medical face mask approaching the front steps of the Schara Tzedeck synagogue on Vancouver's Oak Street on May 30 with a time stamp of 9:41 p.m. 

The man is carrying a clear bottle with liquid inside, and he unscrews the cap before disappearing from the frame. 

Less than a minute later, there is a bright flash and the video shows the man walking quickly down the synagogue stairs and onto the street.

A second video shows the front entrance from a different angle as orange flames spark and then flare up as the man walks away.

The police statement says investigators are looking to speak with anyone who might recognize the suspect in the video, as well as the driver of a beige or silver minivan that was seen in the area at the time of the fire.

Rabbi Andrew Rosenblatt has said people were inside the synagogue after services that same night, when they heard a "bang" outside.

But he said it was a passerby who alerted them that their building was on fire, before a member of the congregation put out the flames with his jacket.

MORE National ARTICLES

Canada told allies before sharing allegations about India over B.C. killing: Trudeau

Canada told allies before sharing allegations about India over B.C. killing: Trudeau
Trudeau revealed in the House of Commons on Monday that Canadian intelligence services are investigating "credible" information about "a potential link" between India's government and the death of British Columbia Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Trudeau said India's government "needs to take this matter with the utmost seriousness" but would not say whether it is co-operating.

Canada told allies before sharing allegations about India over B.C. killing: Trudeau

Eby 'deeply disturbed' by CSIS briefing on Nijjar killing in Surrey, B.C.

Eby 'deeply disturbed' by CSIS briefing on Nijjar killing in Surrey, B.C.
British Columbia Premier David Eby says he's received a briefing from Canada's spy agency about the "assassination" of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar and he's "deeply disturbed" by what he was told. He says he's calling on the federal government to share all information related to ongoing foreign interference and "transnational organized crime threats."  

Eby 'deeply disturbed' by CSIS briefing on Nijjar killing in Surrey, B.C.

Attack on 2 shopkeepers in Chinatown: VPD

Attack on 2 shopkeepers in Chinatown: VPD
A 50-year-old man has been charged with assault after what Vancouver police say was a violent attack on two shopkeepers in the Chinatown neighbourhood. Police say the married couple, who are both in their 70s, were working in their shop last Thursday when the suspect entered and began causing a disturbance.   

Attack on 2 shopkeepers in Chinatown: VPD

Removal of B.C. MLA Adam Walker from NDP caucus unrelated to police, harassment: Eby

Removal of B.C. MLA Adam Walker from NDP caucus unrelated to police, harassment: Eby
Speaking to reporters for the first time since Walker was kicked out over the weekend, Eby says he decided the member could no longer be part of the group after a formal investigation by NDP caucus. Eby says he wishes he could share more but rules related to human resources and privacy prevent him going into specifics about the accusations, which are not a criminal matter.

Removal of B.C. MLA Adam Walker from NDP caucus unrelated to police, harassment: Eby

Monthly bills to decrease: Fortis BC

Monthly bills to decrease: Fortis BC
The utility says it will amount to about $7 a month in savings for residential customers, depending on a customer’s consumption. Joe Mazza, vice-president of energy supply at Fortis, says the decrease will provide customers with some financial relief as they head into the colder fall and winter months. 

Monthly bills to decrease: Fortis BC

Harinder Singh Sihota arrested in car crashes

Harinder Singh Sihota arrested in car crashes
38-year-old Harinder Singh Sihota is in custody as police in Surrey and Delta investigate a series of violent events that included a break-in, assault and several car crashes. Surrey R-C-M-P say it began with a break-in Saturday night at a home in northwest Surrey and the assault of several people in the house.

Harinder Singh Sihota arrested in car crashes