German Teen Faces Charges Over Alleged Taylor Swift Concert Terror Plot

German federal authorities have charged a teenager in connection with the alleged planning of a terrorist attack aimed at a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna last summer.

The Federal Prosecutor's Office in Karlsruhe announced on Friday that the accused, a Syrian national, is believed to have played a significant role in the preparation of the foiled attack, which prompted the cancellation of three of Swift's concerts scheduled for August 2024.

According to prosecutors, the teenager is accused of translating a bomb-making manual from Arabic and facilitating communication between an Austrian suspect and a member of the terrorist organization known as the Islamic State (IS). Furthermore, he allegedly provided a template for an oath of allegiance to IS that the Austrian suspect reportedly used to declare his affiliation with the group.

At the center of the investigation is an Austrian man who was apprehended earlier. He is suspected of planning to drive an explosive-laden vehicle into a crowd of fans waiting to enter the concert venue. Following the arrest of this individual, as well as another suspect, security concerns led to the cancellation of Swift's performances in Vienna, disappointing many fans.

The German teenager has not been placed in custody, but he faces charges of supporting a foreign terrorist organization and preparing to commit a serious act of violence that endangers public safety. Prosecutors allege that he maintained contact with the main suspect between mid-July and August 2024.

The Berlin Court of Appeal's state security senate will now determine whether to proceed with a trial against the accused. Meanwhile, Austrian authorities continue to investigate the primary suspect, who remains in pretrial detention. As of now, there are no additional known accomplices involved in the Austrian investigation.