A young Syrian national has been charged in Germany with supporting a foreign terrorist organisation in connection with a foiled plot to bomb a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna during her Eras Tour last August.

Identified only as Mohammad A due to his status as a juvenile under German law, the suspect is accused of adhering to the ideology of the Islamic State (IS) and assisting another individual in preparing an attack on one of the pop star’s sold-out shows at Vienna’s Ernst Happel Stadium.

The German federal prosecutor’s office stated that by April 2024, Mohammad A had aligned himself with IS ideology. Between mid-July and August, he allegedly collaborated with Beran A—a 20-year-old Austrian believed to be the mastermind behind the planned attack—who was arrested before the concerts following a CIA tip-off.

The CIA reportedly warned of a coordinated IS plot to target the Vienna concerts, which were expected to draw a total of 65,000 fans over three nights from 8 to 10 August 2024. Authorities acted swiftly, detaining several suspects just before the events. The shows were ultimately cancelled at the last minute, leaving fans devastated. Taylor Swift later expressed deep regret, saying she felt a “tremendous amount of guilt” over the cancellation.

Investigators claim that Beran A, from Ternitz in eastern Austria, was part of an IS cell and had previously considered attacking Dubai in March 2024 as part of a broader coordinated operation involving multiple IS attacks. However, reports suggest he withdrew from the plan at the last minute.

Mohammad A’s alleged involvement includes translating bomb-making instructions from Arabic, initiating online contact with an IS member abroad, and drafting an oath of allegiance for Beran A to formally join the terrorist group. Although he is not currently in custody, charges have been filed against him for aiding terrorism and facilitating preparations for mass violence.

The case underscores ongoing concerns about online radicalisation and the continuing threat posed by IS-inspired individuals. Investigations remain active in both Germany and Austria as authorities work to dismantle the networks behind the foiled concert attack.

Melissa Enoch

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