A suspected firebombing attack on the home of YouTube star Friendlyjordies is still under investigation by a specialist arson unit, nine months after the house was set on fire.
Friendlyjordies creator Jordan Shanks went on indefinite hiatus following the fire in Sydney’s eastern suburbs on Nov. 23, but has since resumed broadcasts.
Shanks, who has gained fame for his political videos, has more than a million YouTube subscribers and has been embroiled in numerous lawsuits and personal disputes.
The comedian, commentator and self-proclaimed journalist lives at the back of the Bondi house that was set on fire, but was not home when it went up in flames.
A suspected firebombing attack on the home of YouTube star Friendlyjordies is still under investigation by a specialist arson unit nine months after the house was set on fire. Friendlyjordies creator Jordan Shanks is pictured outside his home on the day of the fire
In a video posted to YouTube after the fire, the 34-year-old said when police asked him if he had any enemies, he replied, “How long have you got?”
After the fire, Shanks said he received calls of support from former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and NSW MP Michael Daley, who is now the state’s attorney general.
The detectives have yet to reveal whether they have identified any suspects they believe are responsible for the attack and no charges have been brought against anyone.
“The fire is being investigated by Strike Force Promethium, led by the Arson Unit of the State Crime Command Financial Crime Squad,” a NSW police spokeswoman said.
Shanks’ lawyer Mark Davis, of Xenophon Davis, declined to speculate on the progress of the investigation when Daily Mail Australia contacted him.
“We know it’s sensitive,” Mr. Davis said. “And we know it’s going on.”
Emergency services arrived at Shanks’ home at 12:30 a.m. on November 23 to find the front of the home engulfed in flames. Specialized forensic police and dogs trained to use detection accelerators were later seen combing through the rubble
Emergency services arrived at Shanks’ home at 12:30 a.m. on November 23 to find the front of the home engulfed in flames.
Two elderly residents escaped through the front of the burning building, while three neighbors fled their neighboring home. No one was injured.
The fire department tried desperately to bring the fire under control, but the house suffered extensive damage. Police soon confirmed they considered the fire suspicious.
Specialized forensic police and dogs trained to detect accelerators were later seen combing through the rubble.
It was also revealed that a smaller fire had broken out at the beach house on November 16, but it was extinguished before it could cause any significant damage.
Fire and Rescue NSW’s Adam Dewberry said there would be an investigation into whether the second larger blaze was related to the blaze a week earlier.
“The cause and origin of the fire are being investigated today by specialists who will also ensure that the fire has caused no structural damage elsewhere in the house,” said Mr Dewberry.
Neighbor Astrid Rickard, who ran away from her house with her dog, said the scene was “pretty crowded” and was immediately concerned that arsonists had targeted Shanks.
‘Friendlyjordies lives in the back so we feel it has something to do with that,’ said Ms Rickard. “This is the second attack in a week, so it’s a bit worrying to be next door.
“Someone obviously figured it out for someone because this isn’t a normal house fire, this doesn’t just happen, someone threw something in the porch and set that house on fire.”
Video of the scene showed the house being destroyed by flames (above) and the rooms reduced to ashes. Police quickly confirmed they were treating the blaze as suspicious
Late on the day of the fire, Shanks posted a video saying he would relinquish the platform he has used to attack political enemies.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to say I think we’re going to roll back the videos for a while,” he told his fans.
And by tone back, I mean it’s been that way for a while, for obvious reasons. We’ll get back to it at some point, but at the moment the friendly jordies is absent indefinitely.”
Shanks also quoted a line from the Emperor in Star Wars Episide III – Revenge of the Sith: “The attempt on my life has left me scarred and disfigured, but I assure you my resolve has never been stronger.”
Police are urging anyone with information about the two fires to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.