In the early hours of July 5, a fire broke out at a factory in Melbourne’s north-east, sparking a major investigation. The attack occurred at 3:55 a.m. at Lovitt Technologies, a company in Greensborough on Para Road. Five individuals, all wearing hoods to conceal their identities, were caught on camera lighting three cars on fire and painting anti-Israel slogans onto the building. The incident was the first of its kind for the area, prompting a swift response from local and federal authorities.
The targeted business, Lovitt Technologies, plays a key role in the manufacturing chain for parts used in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft. In the days following the attack, a four-minute video was uploaded online. In it, a masked person wearing a Palestinian flag claimed responsibility on behalf of a mysterious group they called an 'anonymous cell.'
Who is behind the attack?
Counterterrorism investigators now believe a group of far-left extremists is responsible for the firebombing. Their actions appear to be driven by anarchist and revolutionary ideologies, according to an Australian Federal Police statement. This marks the first time since the September 11 attacks in 2001 that the JCTT has publicly linked an investigation to anarchist extremism.
The masked individual in the video not only claimed responsibility but also hinted at future attacks. 'We have your addresses,' they said, seemingly issuing a threat toward company employees. Despite these ominous remarks, no arrests have been made to date, and the JCTT continues to gather evidence and analyze suspects. Authorities are now investigating whether those behind the attack also produced the video, which was previously unverified by police.
What were they aiming for?
The attack targeted Lovitt Technologies specifically due to its role in supplying parts for the F-35 aircraft. The company has been producing titanium longeron keels for wing assemblies of the jet for Lockheed Martin. This connection to the F-35 supply chain, which is used by Israel and other allied nations, made the company a target for those opposing military operations in the region.
Police have indicated that the attackers sought to express solidarity with Palestine and criticized the Australian government's stance on the issue. In the video, the speaker stated that 'every worker in this supply chain is complicit' and declared, 'We will decide your fate as you have decided the fate of millions.' The group also shared instructions on how to create the incendiary device used to set the cars on fire.
Law enforcement agencies believe the attack was politically motivated and aimed at sending a message to both the company and the Australian government. The attackers emphasized their grievances with Israel's military actions in the region, linking them to the F-35 supply chain. After igniting the vehicles, the suspects fled the scene via a back fence, using e-bikes to travel southwest along the Plenty River, as reported by investigators.
Detectives are now actively pursuing leads to identify the individuals responsible. AFP Detective Superintendent Anthony Hall stated that investigators have a fair amount of information about those who may be involved. He added that the group should feel anxious because the police are determined to bring them to justice.
Under Australian law, the act of engaging in terrorism is a serious crime, with a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. The legal definition of terrorism is currently being reviewed independently, but under the current Criminal Code, it includes 'serious damage to property,' which the Greensborough attack certainly qualifies as.
Victorian Police confirmed that the fire resulted in the destruction of one vehicle and moderate damage to two others. This level of destruction posed a risk to the local community, with Victoria Police Detective Acting Superintendent Anthony Wheatfill warning that fire is unpredictable and can quickly spread.
The use of fire as a tool to express political or social views has now come under heavy scrutiny. Wheatfill emphasized that such violent methods are 'unacceptable' and pose serious threats to public safety. The investigation continues, with authorities working to bring those responsible to court while also protecting the community from further threats.
Counter-terrorism expert Dr. Josh Roose says the aim of the attack was to intimidate the wider industry and its workers. 'This is part of the broader Australian manufacturing industry, so the attempt here is to not only scare and frighten off this particular business - but others, in this case they said that they know the addresses of the workers so it's very serious and it's obviously not only damaging to broader manufacturing but the Australian economy.'