Austrian authorities revealed that suspects in a foiled plot to attack Taylor Swift's concerts in Vienna had planned to kill as many people as possible, inspired by extremist ideologies. The suspects, aged 19 and 17, were arrested after investigators found bomb-making materials and evidence of radicalization at their homes. The alarming discovery prompted the cancellation of three sold-out concerts, affecting tens of thousands of fans.
The plot came to light just hours before the first of the scheduled concerts, set to take place at the Ernst Happel Stadium. "We have no choice but to cancel the three scheduled shows for everyone's safety," announced concert organizers Barracuda Music. The company stood by its decision, noting the potential risk to the expected 65,000 fans per concert and additional onlookers.
The 19-year-old main suspect began his preparations in July, pledging allegiance to the leader of the Islamic State group online. According to Omar Haijawi-Pirchner, head of the Directorate of State Security and Intelligence, the suspect confessed to planning an attack aimed at maximizing casualties using knives or homemade explosives. "He wanted to carry out an attack in the area outside the stadium, killing as many people as possible," Haijawi-Pirchner stated.
Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner confirmed that the foiled attack was intended to occur on Thursday or Friday. Neither suspect possessed tickets to the shows. The second suspect, a 17-year-old Austrian, was arrested near the stadium. He had recently been employed by a company providing services at the venue.
The suspects were found with substantial evidence linking them to extremist activities. During a raid on the 19-year-old's home in Ternitz, south of Vienna, investigators discovered chemicals and technical devices indicative of bomb-making. At the 17-year-old's residence, authorities uncovered materials related to the Islamic State group and al-Qaida.
Franz Ruf, Director General for Public Security at the Ministry of the Interior, highlighted the seriousness of the threat. "The situation was serious, the situation is serious. But we can also say: A tragedy was prevented," Ruf stated.
The decision to cancel the concerts left fans, who had traveled from around the world and invested significant sums in their trips, deeply disappointed. Many took to social media to express their frustration and sadness over the missed opportunity to see Swift perform.
Vice-Chancellor Werner Kogler addressed the public on social media, acknowledging the disappointment. "For many, a dream has been shattered today. On three evenings in Vienna, tens of thousands of Swifties should have celebrated life together. I am very sorry that you were denied this. Swifties stick together, hate and terror can't destroy that," Kogler wrote.
Chancellor Karl Nehammer echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the gravity of the threat and the successful intervention by law enforcement and intelligence agencies. "The situation surrounding the apparently planned terror attack in Vienna was very serious. Thanks to intensive cooperation between police and Austrian and foreign intelligence, the threat could be recognized early on, tackled and a tragedy prevented," Nehammer posted.
The thwarted plot is reminiscent of previous attacks on mass gatherings, such as the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing at an Ariana Grande concert, which resulted in 22 deaths. These incidents underscore the persistent threat posed by extremist groups targeting high-profile events.
As the investigation continues, authorities are not seeking any additional suspects beyond the two arrested. However, a 15-year-old in contact with the suspects has been interrogated by police. The incident highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and robust security measures at public events.
Barracuda Music assured fans that all tickets would be automatically refunded within the next ten business days. Swift's team has yet to comment publicly on the incident, but her website echoed the organizers' refund policy.
The canceled Vienna concerts were part of Swift's highly successful "Eras Tour," which has captivated audiences worldwide. The tour is set to resume with performances at London's Wembley Stadium later this month, where Swift will close the European leg of her tour.
