Two years after the Bondi home of YouTube creator and political commentator Jordan Shanks was firebombed, police have charged a second man, who police say is connected to an outlaw motorcycle group, over the incident.
Shanks, known online as FriendlyJordies, was not home in November 2022 when his home was allegedly attacked by arsonists, causing significant damage to the house.
A blaze breaks out at the Bondi house of Jordan Shanks on the night it was firebombed in November 2022.Credit: OnScene Bondi
Police had previously charged Tufi Junior Tauese-Auelua, who police allege has links to organised crime, for his alleged role in the blaze.
After a long investigation from state crime command’s Strike Force Promethium, detectives charged Andre Stepanyan with one count of destroying property in company using fire and with participating in a criminal group.
Police will allege in court that Stepanyan, 37, was driving the car used in the second of two arson attacks on the home, both in November 2022.
He was refused bail and will appeal at Parramatta Local Court on Friday.
Last year, detectives described the alleged arson attack as deliberate and meticulously planned, and Shanks was placed under police protection. The attack involved liquid accelerant being poured on the home.
Jordan Shanks after the attack.Credit: Sally Rawsthorne
The Herald previously reported that Shanks was receiving ongoing death threats, forcing him to take down one of his videos. In a statement to his website in February this year, Shank said, “You win, we’re taking down the video.