Teen Sentenced for ISIS-Inspired Taylor Swift Terror Plot

A German court has convicted a 16-year-old boy of assisting in the planning of a terrorist attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna, a plot that was thwarted at the last moment but forced the cancellation of three of the singer’s shows in the Austrian capital. The teen, identified in legal documents only as Mohammed A., was sentenced to 18 months in prison.

According to court records, Mohammed began engaging in the conspiracy at age 14. He identified as a Syrian nationalist and expressed support for the Islamic State (ISIS). Between July and August 2024, he communicated with one of the Austrian organizers, sent him a video detailing how to construct a bomb, and arranged a meeting with an ISIS operative.

Authorities arrested three suspects before the planned attack could take place. During questioning, the main planners admitted they intended to use knives and homemade explosives to cause mass casualties at the packed concert. A search of one suspect’s home uncovered chemicals, explosives, knives, machetes, and propaganda materials from both al-Qaeda and ISIS.

Swift addressed her fans following the cancellation, thanking Austrian security forces: “Thanks to them, we are mourning canceled concerts and not human lives.”

The thwarted attack has reignited debate across Europe about the radicalization of minors online and the persistent influence of ISIS-inspired networks, even years after the group’s territorial defeat.