Austrian authorities have detained a third suspect in connection with a plot to attack a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna. The arrest came following the cancellation of the Vienna leg of Swift’s highly anticipated “Eras” tour after two other suspects were taken into custody earlier this week.
On Friday, Austria’s Interior Ministry announced the arrest of an 18-year-old Iraqi, who is alleged to have links with the Islamic State group. This arrest follows the previous detainment of a 19-year-old Austrian of North Macedonian descent and a 17-year-old Austrian of Turkish and Croatian origin. The two initial suspects were apprehended on Wednesday, and authorities indicated that they were planning to execute a large-scale attack at one of Swift’s concerts this week.
The main suspect, the 19-year-old Austrian, reportedly confessed to plotting an attack involving explosives and knives, according to Omar Haijawi-Pirchner, head of the domestic intelligence agency (DSN). The 17-year-old, who had recently been employed by a facility management company tasked with providing services at the Ernst Happel Stadium where Swift was scheduled to perform, was also involved in the plot.
Chancellor Karl Nehammer described the plans as “concrete and detailed,” expressing concern over the potential for a “blood bath.” The Austrian army’s intelligence service was alerted to the imminent threat by two unspecified countries approximately 10 to 15 days prior, helping to prevent the attack.
The Vienna shows, which were part of Swift’s record-breaking “Eras” tour, were anticipated to generate around 100 million euros and attract 170,000 fans. The European leg of the tour, which began in Paris in May, has included performances across various European countries.
Swift has yet to comment publicly on the cancellation of the Vienna concerts but expressed her shock following a deadly attack in Southport, England, on July 29. In that incident, three girls were killed and five others were seriously injured in a mass stabbing at a Swift-themed dance class.
Sources By Agencies