Austrian teen arrested for planning terror attack, inspired by Christchurch shooter

Austrian authorities have apprehended a 14-year-old student in the province of Tyrol on suspicion of plotting a terrorist attack, a case that has drawn parallels to the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings. The arrest followed an alert from a foreign intelligence service to Austria's Directorate for State Security and Intelligence. Reports indicate the teenager was exchanging information about attack plans with a suspect in Sweden through the messaging service Telegram. Potential targets were reportedly Jewish and Muslim institutions. Investigators uncovered concerning evidence during a search of the suspect's home, including a stab-proof vest with Swedish markings, a combat knife inscribed with right-wing slogans, and a tactical helmet fitted with a GoPro camera, apparently intended for a live online broadcast of the planned attack. The suspect is reportedly inspired by Brenton Tarrant, the perpetrator of the New Zealand mosque attacks, who live-streamed his violence. The investigation is ongoing, and the teenager remains silent, with the presumption of innocence applying until proven guilty.

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The 14-year-old allegedly exchanged information about terrorist attack plans with a suspected terrorist from Sweden via the Telegram messaging service.