Prosecutors in Germany have charged a Syrian teenager with aiding a plot to carry out an attack on Taylor Swift's concerts last summer in Vienna. This incident stems from intelligence indicating a credible threat, prompting concert cancellations and an investigation across European borders.
Syrian Teen Charged in Failed Terror Plot Against Taylor Swift Concerts in Vienna
Syrian Teen Charged in Failed Terror Plot Against Taylor Swift Concerts in Vienna
A 17-year-old Syrian boy living in Germany faces charges for his role in a thwarted attack on Taylor Swift's concerts, which led to their cancellation last summer.
A Syrian teenager, identified only as Mohammad A., has been charged in Germany for his alleged involvement in a plot to attack Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna during the summer of 2024. This serious incident led to the cancellation of three shows, which were expected to attract approximately 150,000 fans and significantly contribute to the local economy.
German prosecutors accuse the teenager, who resides in Germany, of providing assistance in interpreting Arabic instructions for bomb-making and translating an oath of allegiance to the Islamic State for the main suspect, a 19-year-old Austrian with Macedonian heritage. The charges against the boy include support for a foreign terrorist organization and preparation for a serious act of violence that endangers the state. Due to his age, his specific age has not been disclosed, and he has not been taken into custody.
The credible threat that sparked this investigation originated from American intelligence, which prompted Austrian authorities to act. In a related investigation, the police apprehended the main suspect in Ternitz, Austria, where they discovered machetes, knives, explosive-making components, and counterfeit money, alongside materials promoting the Islamic State.
While another 17-year-old Austrian suspected of complicity was detained briefly, he has since been released without charges. The Syrian teen reportedly radicalized through online platforms and was linked to the main suspect via social media.
The cancellation of Taylor Swift's concerts represented a significant disappointment for the city of Vienna, as her performances tend to generate substantial revenue for host locations. The case continues to unfold as authorities seek further information and connections related to the threat.
