A teenager living in Germany has been charged with involvement in a plot to attack a Taylor Swift concert that was scheduled to take place in Vienna, Aug. 2024. The concert's cancellation affected about 150,000 fans, as authorities acted on intelligence indicating a credible security threat. The Syrian youth, identified simply as Mohammad A. to protect his identity, is accused of translating instructions for bomb-making and an Islamic State allegiance pledge for the main suspect.
The charges against him include support for a foreign terrorist organization and complicity in planning a serious act of violence against the state. These details emerged following his indictment last week, although his precise age remains undisclosed.
The investigation was sparked by information from U.S. intelligence, leading to the apprehension of a 19-year-old Austrian, who is believed to be the ringleader of the attack. Following a raid at his family home in Ternitz, law enforcement officials seized machetes, knives, chemical components for explosives, counterfeit currency, and Islamic State propaganda.
While the main suspect is currently in custody, another 17-year-old Austrian alleged accomplice was arrested but later released without charges. Reports indicate that the Syrian teenager had been radicalized online and facilitated communication between the main suspect and an Islamic State contact through social media. Due to his minor status, he has not been detained.
Taylor Swift's concerts are significant economic events for venues, and their cancellation has upset local businesses that anticipated financial boosts from the performances.
