A 16-year-old boy has pleaded guilty to planning a terrorist attack targeting the Sydney Opera House and a Sydney marathon, telling a court he was radicalised online before connecting with extremists.
Key facts
- A 16-year-old boy pleaded guilty to planning a terrorist act.
- The plan targeted the Sydney Opera House and a Sydney marathon.
- The boy testified he was radicalised on TikTok before connecting to extremists on Telegram.
- The planning took place over more than a month in 2024.
- The boy cannot be identified for legal reasons.
A school student has pleaded guilty to planning a terrorist bombing that targeted the Sydney Opera House and a Sydney marathon, according to the Guardian. The 16-year-old boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, admitted to planning the attack over the course of more than a month in 2024.
The teenager testified about how he came to plan the attack, describing a descent into online extremism. According to the Guardian, he told the court he had fallen down a social media rabbit hole that ultimately led him toward planning to bomb the landmark.
The boy said he was radicalised on TikTok before connecting with extremists on the messaging platform Telegram, the Guardian reported. His testimony traced the path from initial exposure to extremist content to direct contact with others online.
The guilty plea relates to planning a terrorist act, an offence the boy admitted after the alleged activity spanned more than a month during 2024. Details of the intended targets included the Sydney Opera House, one of the country’s most recognisable landmarks, and a marathon held in the city.
Because of his age and legal protections applying to minors, the boy’s identity has been suppressed and cannot be published. The Guardian reported his testimony as part of the ongoing legal proceedings.
Why it matters
The case highlights growing concerns about the online radicalisation of young people through mainstream social media and encrypted messaging platforms. It also underscores the challenge authorities face in identifying and preventing attacks planned by minors before they can be carried out.
Frequently asked questions
What was the teenager planning to attack?
According to the Guardian, the 16-year-old boy planned to bomb the Sydney Opera House and target a Sydney marathon in a terrorist attack.
How was the teenager radicalised?
The boy testified that he was radicalised on TikTok before connecting to extremists on the messaging platform Telegram, the Guardian reported.
Why has the teenager not been named?
The 16-year-old cannot be identified for legal reasons, as reported by the Guardian.