Austrian authorities have arrested a third suspect in connection with a foiled terrorist plot targeting Taylor Swift’s concert in Vienna, as announced by Interior Minister Gerhard Karner on Friday. The 18-year-old Iraqi citizen was detained on Thursday evening in Vienna for his alleged involvement with the main suspect, a 19-year-old Austrian who had pledged allegiance to ISIS.
The 19-year-old suspect planned to carry out a mass attack using knives or homemade explosives on the crowd gathered outside the Ernst Happel Stadium during Swift’s scheduled concerts. With 30,000 people expected outside the venue and another 65,000 inside each night, the suspect aimed to cause maximum casualties. Swift’s three sold-out performances, set to start on Thursday, were promptly cancelled following the arrests.
The primary suspect was arrested on Tuesday alongside a 17-year-old accomplice, both of whom are Austrian citizens. A 15-year-old was also interrogated but was not detained. The names of those involved have not been released, in accordance with Austrian privacy laws.
ISIS Influence and Bomb-Making Materials
Investigators discovered bomb-making materials at the main suspect’s home, along with ISIS and al-Qaeda propaganda at the 17-year-old’s residence. Both the 19-year-old and the 18-year-old arrested on Thursday had sworn oaths of allegiance to ISIS. Despite the 18-year-old’s connections to the main suspect, he is not believed to be directly involved in the attack plot, according to Minister Karner.
The Austrian Interior Ministry emphasized that the arrest of the third suspect highlights the extensive scope of the ongoing investigation, with authorities scrutinizing the networks and communication of the suspects. Foreign intelligence agencies played a crucial role in the investigation, as Austrian law does not permit the monitoring of text messages.
A Devastated Fanbase
The cancellation of the Vienna concerts has left thousands of Swift’s fans, or “Swifties,” heartbroken. Many had traveled from around the world, spending significant amounts on travel and accommodations, only to have the shows cancelled at the last moment. Despite the disappointment, fans gathered in Vienna’s streets, singing Swift’s hits and exchanging friendship bracelets in a show of unity.
Global Security Concerns
The foiled attack has heightened security concerns across Europe, particularly for upcoming large-scale events. Swift is scheduled to perform five shows at London’s Wembley Stadium between August 15 and 20. London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed confidence in the city’s preparedness, drawing on lessons learned from the 2017 Manchester bombing at an Ariana Grande concert.
In Toronto, where Swift is set to perform six shows in November, Mayor Olivia Chow assured that local police are closely coordinating with various groups to ensure the safety of the concerts.
Swift has yet to publicly comment on the plot or the cancelled shows, and her official social media accounts have remained silent on the matter.
The swift action of Austrian and international authorities has prevented what could have been a catastrophic attack, underlining the persistent threat of terrorism and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding public events.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1k37dm9e0eo