A major terrorist attack targeting Taylor Swift's Vienna concerts was thwarted earlier this month, with the CIA playing a crucial role in the operation, according to new details revealed by U.S. intelligence officials. The plot, allegedly orchestrated by ISIS-inspired extremists, aimed to inflict mass casualties on fans attending Swift's highly anticipated Eras Tour performances.
CIA Deputy Director David Cohen disclosed at a recent security summit that the foiled attack was intended to kill "tens of thousands" of concertgoers, including a significant number of Americans. "They were plotting to kill a huge number-tens of thousands of people at this concert," Cohen said. "The Austrians were able to make those arrests because the agency and our partners in the intelligence community provided them information about what this ISIS-connected group was planning to do."
The plot led to the abrupt cancellation of three sold-out Swift concerts, scheduled to start on August 8, which would have seen approximately 95,000 fans attend each night. The cancellations were confirmed by Barracuda Music, the organizer of the Vienna shows, following warnings from Austrian authorities about the imminent threat.
The primary suspect in the thwarted attack, a 19-year-old Austrian, was arrested on August 6, just one day before the concerts were set to begin. He, along with a 17-year-old accomplice, was apprehended for planning to use knives and homemade explosives. A third suspect, an 18-year-old, was arrested two days later. Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner highlighted the critical role of international intelligence agencies in the investigation, citing limitations in domestic surveillance capabilities, including restrictions on monitoring text messages.
The thwarted attack not only underscores the ongoing threat posed by extremist groups but also the efficacy of international cooperation in counterterrorism efforts. Cohen praised the work of the CIA and other intelligence partners, noting that the successful prevention of such attacks often goes unrecognized. "I can tell you within my agency, and I'm sure in others, there were people who thought that was a really good day for Langley," Cohen remarked, referring to the CIA headquarters in Virginia.
The cancellations left Swift's fans devastated. Many had traveled from various parts of Europe and beyond, only to be met with the news of the concerts' cancellation. Social media reactions included expressions of disappointment and frustration.
Caroline, one fan, lamented, "I won't be able to see Taylor again with these resale prices so I am pretty devastated."
Another fan, Sarah, expressed her anger, "To have all this taken away by some men being so fueled by hatred for no reason at all makes me so beyond angry I can't put it into words."
Swift addressed the situation on Instagram, expressing her sorrow over the canceled shows and her gratitude towards the authorities. "Having our Vienna shows canceled was devastating," Swift wrote. "The reason for the cancellations filled me with a new sense of fear, and a tremendous amount of guilt because so many people had planned on coming to those shows." She added, "Thanks to them, we were grieving concerts and not lives."
Following the events in Vienna, Swift resumed her tour in London. The Vienna cancellations came on the heels of another tragedy involving Swift's fanbase, where a mass stabbing at a Swift-themed dance class resulted in three children's deaths and numerous injuries. Swift met with the victims' families and survivors, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to supporting those affected by violence.
