SINGAPORE – A Chilling Attempt to Attack Mosques

In a chilling attempt that echoes the tragic events of the Christchurch mosque shootings in March 2019, a 17-year-old Singaporean boy was detained by the Internal Security Department (ISD) after it was revealed that he had devised a plan to kill at least 100 Muslims at five different mosques across Singapore.

In June 2024, this teenager identified five mosques—Masjid Maarof in Jurong West, Masjid Jamek Queenstown in Margaret Drive, Masjid Darussalam in Clementi, Masjid An-Nur in Admiralty Road, and Masjid Hajjah Fatimah in Beach Road—as potential targets. His gruesome scheme involved carrying out his attacks as Muslims exited the mosques after Friday prayers and then taking his own life.

The ISD stepped in before the plan could be executed, arresting him and issuing a detention order under the Internal Security Act (ISA) in March. This revelation is a stark reminder of how extremist ideologies are infiltrating the minds of young individuals in Singapore.

Related Incidents of Radicalization Among Youths

This case is particularly concerning, issued alongside another related incident involving a 15-year-old girl who expressed a desire to marry an ISIS fighter and create a pro-ISIS household. Her case is noteworthy as she is the first female teen and the second-youngest person to be affected under the ISA.

The 17-year-old's radicalization reportedly took root in 2022 when he stumbled across a plethora of Islamophobic and far-right extremist content online. Influenced by such materials, coupled with pre-existing racist views toward Malays, he developed intense hatred for Islam and the Muslim community, frequently engaging in incendiary online discussions.

Influence of Extremist Materials on the Teen's Mindset

Disturbingly, in November 2023, the teen reportedly watched videos of the Christchurch shooting and idolized the shooter, Brenton Tarrant, appreciating the violence against Muslims. He became engrossed in extremist manifestos authored by Tarrant and other far-right figures, which, according to experts, echo the dangerous ideologies spreading in digital spaces today.

Planning the Attack: Steps Taken by the Teen

Buoyed by these toxic narratives, he fantasized about carrying out mass shootings similar to Tarrant's and took striking steps towards planning an attack. He explored methods to acquire firearms, reaching out to international contacts regarding the purchase and smuggling of weapons into Singapore, even considering more feasible options like 3D printing gun parts.

By early 2024, he had zeroed in on his targets and was specifically looking to attack Masjid Maarof, the mosque he was most familiar with. His intentions extended beyond personal gratification; he sought to inspire other like-minded individuals to embrace and act on violence against the Muslim community.

Family Oversight and Community Responsibility

Tragically, while the teenager kept his plans to himself, his parents were aware of his troubling views and extensive time spent online. Unfortunately, they failed to alert authorities, a critical oversight that has raised alarm bells among officials regarding the collective responsibility of families to report signs of radicalization.

Government Response and Community Vigilance

On April 2, Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam emphasized the gravity of this situation, warning that these incidents serve as a chilling reminder of the persistent threat of radicalization, particularly among youth. He urged the community to remain vigilant, noting that those with radical tendencies may exist undetected, potentially posing risks to public safety.

The ISD has indicated that the issue of self-radicalization is not an isolated one, revealing that since 2015, they have dealt with 17 individuals aged 20 and below under the ISA, with many having aspirations of committing violence within Singapore. This trend highlights a worrying rise in far-right extremist ideologies among the youth demographic in the country.

Call to Action for Community Awareness

As Singapore faces this challenging reality, officials and community leaders alike are calling for increased awareness and proactive measures to ensure the safety and harmony of all communities within the nation. If you suspect someone you know may be showing signs of radicalization, you are encouraged to report it to the ISD hotline for assistance.