Teen Charged in Plot to Attack Eras Tour Concert
Prosecutors in Germany have charged a teenager linked to a failed scheme to attack fans at a Taylor Swift concert last year. The suspect, identified as Mohammad A., is accused of aiding a foreign terrorist group and planning acts of extreme violence.
According to a statement from Germany’s prosecutor general, Mohammad A. is believed to have aligned with the Islamic State (IS) as early as April 2024. From mid-July to August 2024, he was reportedly in contact with an Austrian who aimed to carry out a bombing at Swift’s concert in Vienna.
His alleged involvement included translating bomb-making instructions from Arabic and setting up communication between the Austrian and an IS member. He is also said to have provided an oath of allegiance for the Austrian to join the group. Currently, he is not in custody.
In August, a CIA official revealed that the thwarted plan could have resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands. The agency, along with other intelligence partners, informed Austrian authorities about the potential danger, prompting a critical response.
The planned concerts on August 8, 9, and 10 were ultimately canceled for safety reasons, as stated by the concert promoter, Barracuda Music, which described the decision as unavoidable.
At the time of the cancellations, authorities arrested three suspects, including the Austrian believed to be the main planner and two other young adults—a 17-year-old Austrian and an 18-year-old Iraqi. Their identities have not been disclosed, but officials indicated that the plot was motivated by IS beliefs.
During a news conference, an Austrian security chief mentioned that the 19-year-old suspect admitted intentions to execute an attack using explosives and knives.
After the incident, Taylor Swift expressed her feelings about the canceled concerts, stating it was disheartening but expressed gratitude to the authorities for preventing harm.
She later explained her hesitation to speak about the situation publicly, emphasizing the importance of not provoking potential threats. Swift concluded her European tour safely and expressed relief over the outcome.
In a gesture to fans, Disney and Swift collaborated to premiere her concert film on local television in Austria shortly after the canceled shows.
