BERLIN — Authorities announced on Tuesday that three men have been formally charged in connection with a purported plot to launch an attack on a Jewish site in western Germany.

The primary suspect, a 25-year-old German national whose identity remains undisclosed for privacy reasons, reportedly traveled to Istanbul in April with ambitions of joining Islamic extremist fighters in Syria. According to prosecutors based in Stuttgart, this plan did not materialize, leading to his return to Germany.

In collaboration with an 18-year-old who holds dual German-Turkish citizenship, the primary suspect allegedly devised a scheme to target a Jewish institution located in either Heidelberg or Mannheim. Investigators revealed that the duo also contemplated being fatally shot by law enforcement following the attack and intended to release a video statement that would include criticisms directed at German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his approach to Israel. Prosecutors indicated that their objective was to disrupt the cooperative relationship between Germany and Israel.

The main suspect remains in custody, having been previously charged with attempted manslaughter of a police officer during a related operation in May. He faces charges for preparing to commit a grave act of violence and conspiracy to commit murder.

The 18-year-old accomplice is also in custody and has been charged with aiding and abetting in the preparation of a serious violent act and conspiracy to murder.

Additionally, a second 25-year-old German man is accused of facilitating transportation for the primary suspect to Stuttgart Airport, aware of the latter’s intention to travel to Syria. He has been charged as an accessory in the preparation of a serious act of violence.

Now, the judicial body in Heilbronn will deliberate on whether to proceed with the case and decide on the timing for a potential trial.