Syrian Teen Charged in Foiled Terror Plot Targeting Taylor Swift Concert in Vienna

The juvenile suspect, only identified as “Mohammad A,” helped a fellow extremist plan a would-be attack on a Taylor Swift “Eras Tour” concert.at Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna last summer, authorities said

A Syrian teenager has been formally charged in connection with an alleged Islamic State-inspired terror plot to bomb a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna during her Eras Tour last summer, German authorities confirmed Friday.

The juvenile suspect, identified only as “Mohammad A,” is accused of assisting another extremist by translating Arabic bomb-making instructions and connecting him with an online contact within an Islamic State-linked militia to help orchestrate a mass-casualty attack at Ernst Happel Stadium.

A police officer stands outside Wembley Stadium ahead of Taylor Swift’s performance on August 15, 2024 in London, England

According to prosecutors, the teen had embraced ISIS ideology by at least April 2024. Between mid-July and August 2024, he reportedly collaborated with a young Austrian national who was actively planning to carry out a deadly bombing during one of Swift’s highly attended shows.

Authorities allege the group intended to detonate an explosive-laden vehicle outside the venue, aiming to kill “as many people as possible.” Investigators also say the suspects plotted to attack concertgoers with machetes. The plan was disrupted before it could be executed, prompting the cancellation of three sold-out concerts scheduled to begin on August 8, 2024.

A man arrested in the plot holds two machetes, which were weapons the fiends allegedly planned to use in addition to bombs

Police in Vienna had previously arrested three additional suspects aged 19, 18, and 17. Reports indicate the young men had even been hired to work security at the concert venue before their intentions were discovered. Officials believe all were radicalized through extremist content shared online.

The revelations have intensified scrutiny on Austria’s counterterrorism protocols. In response, the Austrian government approved legislation earlier this month granting law enforcement greater authority to monitor encrypted messaging services—an area previously considered a security blind spot for an EU nation.

The specific age of Mohammad A has not been disclosed due to his juvenile status. He now faces charges related to aiding a terrorist organization and facilitating an attempted mass-casualty attack.