Austrian Teenager, 19, Arrested for Planning Suicide Bomb Attack on Taylor Swift’s Vienna Concert; Two Other Suspects Detained Including 18-Year-Old Iraqi and 17-Year-Old Austrian
Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News
6 minutes read. Updated 11:08AM GMT Fri, 9August, 2024
Austrian security forces have thwarted a major terror plot targeting Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated concerts in Vienna, leading to the arrest of three teenagers involved in the scheme. The foiled attack has resulted in the cancellation of Swift’s three sold-out performances at the Ernst Happel Stadium, which were expected to draw over 195,000 attendees.
Security Incident Overview
The primary suspect, a 19-year-old Austrian national with North Macedonian heritage, was apprehended on Wednesday. According to officials, this individual had previously pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) and had planned a suicide attack involving explosives and knives. The teen confessed to plotting an assault on the crowd at Swift’s concert.
Local media reports, including the Kurier newspaper, revealed that the suspect had stolen chemicals from his former employer—a metal processing company in Ternitz. These chemicals were intended for use in constructing a bomb. The suspect also allegedly intended to drive a vehicle into the crowd outside the stadium.
Arrests and Investigations
The investigation led to the arrest of a second suspect, a 17-year-old Austrian of Turkish or Croatian descent, who was employed at a company providing services for the event. Additionally, a 15-year-old, who was reportedly in the vicinity of the stadium, is currently being questioned.
On Thursday, authorities made a fourth arrest—a 18-year-old Iraqi citizen—who is also believed to have sworn allegiance to IS. Despite earlier statements indicating no further suspects were sought, this arrest underscores the seriousness of the threat.
Security Measures and Responses
Austrian public security chief Franz Ruf reported that chemical substances and technical devices discovered at the primary suspect’s residence indicated “concrete preparatory actions.” Omar Haijawi-Pirchner, head of Austria’s Directorate for Protection of the State and Intelligence (DSN), confirmed that weapons were seized from the suspect’s home, and the individual had made a video online confessing to the attack plans.
Interior Minister Gerhard Karner emphasized that international intelligence cooperation played a crucial role in preventing the attack. He noted that Austria, like other European nations, faces heightened terrorist threats, with major events often being prime targets for extremist attacks.
Upcoming Events and Security
The cancellation of Taylor Swift’s Vienna concerts is a significant disruption as part of her Eras Tour, which has already visited several European countries including Sweden, the UK, and Germany. With Coldplay scheduled to perform in Vienna later this month, security measures will remain stringent.
In London, preparations are underway for Swift’s upcoming concerts at Wembley Stadium, with UK policing authorities closely monitoring intelligence to ensure safety. London Mayor Sadiq Khan assured that the city’s security measures will be robust, with local authorities working diligently to maintain public safety during the events.
For further details on the investigation and security updates, visit BBC News and The Guardian.
Hashtags: #TaylorSwiftVienna #TerrorPlot #ViennaConcert #ISThreat
