Austrian authorities revealed that the two suspects involved in a foiled plot to attack Taylor Swift’s concerts in Vienna were influenced by extremist groups like the Islamic State and al-Qaida. During an investigation, bomb-making materials were discovered at one of the suspect’s homes, and one suspect confessed to planning to kill as many people as possible outside the concert venue.
The plot led to the cancellation of three sold-out shows, leaving Swift fans, who had invested heavily in travel and accommodation, deeply disappointed.
The canceled concerts were expected to draw up to 65,000 fans inside the Ernst Happel Stadium, with an additional 30,000 people outside. The attack was allegedly planned for Thursday or Friday, close to the scheduled concert dates.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer defended the decision to cancel the shows, emphasizing that safety must come first, despite the disappointment it caused among fans who were eagerly anticipating the event.
Swift’s upcoming shows in London are still set to proceed, with London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressing understanding of Vienna’s decision but asserting that London’s authorities are prepared for the concerts.
Taylor Swift Concerts in Vienna Canceled After Authorities Foil Terror Plot Linked to Extremist Group
This preparation comes in light of previous terrorist attacks, including the 2017 bombing at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, which killed 22 people, and a recent knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed event in England.
In Austria, the main suspect, a 19-year-old, admitted to planning the attack since July and had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State. The suspect, who had been radicalized, aimed to carry out a deadly attack using knives or explosives outside the stadium. Investigators found evidence of his intentions during a raid of his home, including chemicals and technical devices that indicated preparations for an attack.
A second suspect, aged 17, was also implicated, with authorities discovering extremist materials at his residence. The younger suspect, who had recently been employed at the concert venue, has so far refused to cooperate with the investigation.
Both suspects are Austrian citizens with diverse ethnic backgrounds, and they were arrested just days before the planned attacks. The suspects had undergone significant social changes recently, further raising suspicions.
Austrian intelligence worked closely with foreign agencies to apprehend the suspects, though the specific agencies involved have not been disclosed. The U.S. State Department confirmed communication with Austrian officials regarding the plot, but no other suspects are currently being sought. A 15-year-old, who had been in contact with the suspects, was also questioned by police, but no additional arrests were made.
The concert organizer, Barracuda Music, announced the cancellation of the shows for safety reasons and promised to refund tickets. Taylor Swift has not publicly commented on the situation, though her team shared the cancellation announcement via social media.
The incident has highlighted the persistent threat of terrorism at large public events, with experts warning that high-profile pop stars like Swift are increasingly becoming targets for extremists aiming to incite fear and chaos.
