German authorities in Hamburg announced Monday that a 17-year-old Syrian national was arrested last week on suspicion of planning an attack at a shopping mall, a bar or a police station, according to a statement from the public prosecutor’s office.
Prosecutors said the suspect allegedly planned to kill an unspecified number of people he referred to as “infidels” using explosives, Molotov cocktails or a knife. The Islamic State group appeared to have inspired his plans, prosecutors said.
Police seized fertilizer, lighter fluid, a balaclava and a knife from the suspect, items consistent with preparations for an attack.
The suspect is now under investigation on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act and terror financing. Prosecutors added that they previously ordered a psychiatric assessment of the teenager in connection with a separate investigation into alleged violations of Germany’s law governing associations and other offenses. No further details were provided.