Vienna shocked: 15-year-old arrested again for radicalization!

Vienna shocked: 15-year-old arrested again for radicalization!

In the 17th district of Vienna, more precisely in Hernals, the police have again arrested a 15-year-old who is the focus of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution. This reports 5 minutes. The teenager is no stranger to the authorities; He was arrested in February 2025 because of specific plans to attack Vienna's Westbahnhof train station. At that time he was only 14 years old and was in custody until October 2025 on suspicion of membership in a terrorist organization. Despite extensive support after his release from prison, he continued to show radical tendencies.

After he was released, the youth remained of great interest to the security authorities. According to the State Office for State Security and Combating Extremism, he has developed a dangerous affinity for radical Islamist propaganda and stabbing weapons. This led to a house search carried out on November 25, 2025, involving officers from the LSE and the Cobra task force. During the search, the 15-year-old's cell phone was seized and is now being examined for suspicious content. On the same day he was arrested again, now on “suspicion of attempted criminal conspiracy”. He has so far refused to make any statements and the Vienna public prosecutor's office requested pre-trial detention based on the existing suspicions.

Radicalization of young people

The situation surrounding the 15-year-old is not an isolated case. The authorities are observing a worrying increase in the radicalization of young people, often via social media such as TikTok and Instagram. So reported Constitutional Protection.de that this radicalization often takes place in digital echo chambers, where violent fantasies and extremist ideologies are repeatedly discussed. Many young people have no direct connection to classic right-wing extremist structures, but the glorification of violent assassins is still very well received.

The development of a large number of nationwide youth groups that have distinguished themselves through militant actions, for example against Christopher Street Day, shows how quickly radicalization processes can take place. One example is the right-wing extremist group “Last Defense Wave”, which even planned arson and explosive attacks. In this context, it is important to emphasize that young people who are under social pressure are often vulnerable. Teachers and local communities need to provide more support here.

The role of the community

Federal Interior Minister Dobrindt emphasizes the importance of local communities. Schools, clubs and especially families must react actively to developments in radicalization, but this often requires considerable resources. Noticed in this regard WDR that professional youth work is viewed as a preventive measure to counteract extremist targeting.

It's time for everyone involved—from teachers to social services—to get a good handle on providing young people with a positive social environment. Awareness, support and clear boundaries are necessary to combat increasing radicalization and stop the cycle of violence. The challenge is obvious: youth work and the social environment must work hand in hand to counteract the dangerous ideals that are often spread on the Internet.