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A Quebec court judge postponed the hearing of the man accused of starting a fire at a Westmount synagogue last week, because a psychological evaluation requested by the Crown had not yet been completed.
Shortly after midnight on Friday, police received a report from someone trying to set a fire at the Temple Emanu-El-Beth Sholom, on Sherbrooke Street West between Wood and Elm avenues. When officers arrived at the scene, they arrested the suspect nearby.
Steven Luu, 38, faces a total of six charges in connection with the incident, including arson, possessing incendiary materials, using an explosive substance and possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
Luu was arraigned on Friday, and was supposed to have a bail hearing Monday morning.
According to police’s early findings, the suspect broke a window with the intent of setting a fire inside the building. There was minor damage to the building, and firefighters intervened quickly to stop the fire from growing. No one was injured in the incident.
Montreal police told CBC on Monday that the investigation into the incident is still ongoing. Whether crime was motivated by hate is still a “hypothesis” being examined, according to a police spokesperson.
WATCH | Rabbi says ‘we’re not going to be afraid’ after incendiary device thrown at building:
Rabbi offers words of strength following attempted arson at synagogue in Westmount, Que.
Steven Luu, 38, faces six charges, including arson and possession of incendiary and explosive materials. Montreal police say they haven’t ruled out whether the incident was a hate crime.
On Friday, Rabbi Lisa Grushcow wrote in an email to the synagogue’s members that more needs to be done to address the “scourge of antisemitism.”
The synagogue was also targeted by antisemitic vandalism in February 2025.