Teen arrested for planning Christchurch-inspired terrorist attack

Singapore - A 16-year-old in Singapore was planning to perpetrate his own version of the 2019 attacks on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, that left 51 dead.

Brenton Tarrant (30) committed a terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch in New Zealand on March 15, 2019.
Brenton Tarrant (30) committed a terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch in New Zealand on March 15, 2019.  © IMAGO / Poolfoto

The teenager made detailed plans and preparations to carry out terrorist acts against Muslims on March 15, which will be the second anniversary of the Christchurch shootings, the Asian city-state's Department of Homeland Security said Wednesday.

Authorities cited "a strong antipathy towards Islam and a fascination with violence" as the motive.

The identity of the boy, who was arrested in December, was not released. According to the report, he is a Protestant of Indian origin.

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The teenager became radicalized on his own and had no accomplices. According to the report, he wanted to use a machete as his weapon.

Christchurch bomber Brenton Tarrant was sentenced to life in prison for the double attack last August. He had broadcast the attacks live on social media.

Teen planned to die in attacks, police say

The teenager planned a double attack against Muslims. (stock image)
The teenager planned a double attack against Muslims. (stock image)  © 123RF/stockdeca

The ministry said that it was clear from the terror plans and preparations that he had been influenced by Tarrant's acts and manifesto.

The teenager had also wanted to distribute two documents after the planned acts, one in which he had called Tarrant a "saint".

The boy himself told the police that he had expected to die in the attacks.

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The 16-year-old is so far the youngest suspect arrested in Singapore in connection with terror charges, according to authorities.

Singapore's nearly six million citizens are descendants of Chinese, Indians, and Malays. In addition, there are about 1.5 million foreign workers.

Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Taoism are all represented in the prosperous city-state.

Cover photo: 123RF/stockdeca

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