We have a shocking update on the attack that almost happened at one of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour shows in Vienna last month.
As we previously reported, authorities found out about a terror plot to kill “tens of thousands” of the pop star’s fans with homemade bombs and knives at one of her shows at the Ernst Happel Stadium in the Austrian city. Although law enforcement thwarted the terrifying plot, Taylor’s three concerts were canceled for everyone’s safety. It would have been unimaginable if the terrorists successfully carried out even part of the plan.
At the time, three teenagers — all of whom pledged their loyalty to Al Qaeda before the attack — also were arrested. And now, a fourth person is in custody. A very young person…
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According to the outlet BILD on Thursday, the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office announced that police in Frankfurt, Germany, arrested a 15-year-old on the suspicion of “recruiting for a terrorist organization.” Investigators searched an apartment where he lived with his parents and three siblings and confiscated several items, including data storage devices, a computer, and a cell phone. Whoa. A spokesperson for the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office, Ines Peterson, said:
“The proceedings are being conducted against a suspect on suspicion of recruiting for a terrorist organization abroad. No further information is currently being provided.”
However, the outlet provided more detail on his alleged involvement in the thwarted attack. BILD reported that the young teen was under surveillance for some time as he allegedly talked with the 19-year-old Austrian who started working on the plan for the terror attack. They apparently spoke one-on-one via an encrypted messenger service back in July. Over text, the pair allegedly spoke about possible targets for attacks like concerts and LGBTQ+ events and exchanged information about the choice of weapons, acid, and the procurement and production of explosives.
Upsettingly, the 15-year-old is said to have expressed he wanted to carry out an attack in the name of the Islamic State in the future — but did not feel ready for it yet. So scary. It is important to mention the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office has not publicly confirmed the connection between the two suspects.
At this time, the teenager was brought before a judge on Thursday morning. Reactions, Perezcious readers? Let us know in the comments below.
If you’re experiencing emotional distress related to incidents of mass violence, you can call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or visit their website at https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline for more resources.
[Image via The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon/YouTube]
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