Authorities Announce Another Arrest in Connection With 'Foiled' Terror Attack at Taylor Swift's Vienna Eras Tour Concerts
Austrian authorities are releasing new information about the suspects arrested in connection with a planned terror attack targeting Taylor Swift's Vienna concerts, causing the Eras Tour stops originally scheduled for Aug. 8 through Aug. 10 to be canceled altogether on Aug. 7.
On Thursday, investigators reported that the two unnamed suspects (who remain anonymous due to Austrian privacy laws) in the "foiled plot," both Austrian citizens aged 17 and 19, were seemingly inspired by the Islamic State group (ISIS) and al-Qaida, according to the AP. Bomb-making materials were found in the 19-year-old main suspect's home and officials confirmed he had confessed to a plan to "kill as many people as possible outside the concert venue.” He reportedly began planning his attack in July and intended to use knives and/or homemade explosives to target fans outside the stadium.
The 17-year-old, who was arrested near the stadium, had been employed by a company that provides unspecified services at the concert venue just days earlier.
Austria’s interior minister, Gerhard Karner, said that the attack was intended to be carried out on one of the first two of three days of shows in the capital city, which could have affected any number of the expected 65,000 ticketed fans and up to 30,000 ticketless Swifties gathering outside to listen each night.
“The situation was serious, the situation is serious," he told reporters. "But we can also say: A tragedy was prevented.”
Later on Thursday, a third teenager was arrested in connection with the plans: an 18-year-old Iraqi citizen who had been in contact with the main suspect and also pledged “an oath of allegiance” to the Islamic State group. In a statement, Karner said the third teenager “comes from the social environment” of the main suspect, but he has not been directly linked to the plot.
Instead, the 18-year-old's arrest "underscores the broad scope of the ongoing investigation," Austrian officials explained in a statement shared with the outlet. "Authorities are taking decisive action against anyone who might be involved in terrorist activities or exhibits radical tendencies.” Police said they also questioned a 15-year-old, but they were not arrested.
Initially, officials had beefed up planned security measures for the venue and other major events in the city, warning incoming fans to allow themselves more time to arrive and get inside before organizers ultimately decided to cancel the shows for the safety of everyone involved.
While fans were understandably devastated by the move, they were also very understanding. They banded together to comfort those affected by the news, gathering together to enjoy Swift's music throughout the city on Aug. 8 and enjoying the sweet deals some local businesses have set up for those affected. Many have even taken it upon themselves to try to get as many Austrian fans as possible tickets to Swift's final few days in London later this month.
As of writing, those shows are still moving forward as scheduled.
