Teen ISIS Supporter Arrested for Plotting Attack at Taylor Swift Concert
Vienna: Austrian authorities have arrested a 19-year-old Islamic State sympathizer for planning a suicide attack at a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna. The concert, set to take place at the Ernst Happel Stadium, was canceled at the last minute due to the foiled plot.
Planned Attack and Arrests
The suspect, who intended to use explosives and knives in the attack, confessed to his plans during questioning, according to Omar Haijawi-Pirchner, head of Austria’s domestic intelligence agency (DSN). “His aim was to kill himself and a large number of people during the concert… either today or tomorrow,” Haijawi-Pirchner stated in a news conference.
A second suspect, a 17-year-old Austrian employed by a facility management company servicing the stadium, was also detained. This individual has refused to cooperate with authorities so far.
Averting Tragedy
Interior Minister Gerhard Karner emphasized the severity of the situation, noting that “a tragedy was averted.” He referenced a recent attack at a Taylor Swift-themed event in Britain, which resulted in the deaths of three girls.
During the search of the main suspect’s apartment, explosives and detonators were discovered, further confirming the seriousness of the threat.
Background and Motivations
The main suspect, an Austrian with Northern Macedonian roots, had recently adopted an appearance aligned with Islamic State propaganda. The second suspect, of Turkish or Croatian origin, had recently broken up with his girlfriend. Authorities acted on information from foreign partners, which led to the arrests, though specific details were not disclosed.
Impact on Concerts
The planned concerts, part of Swift’s record-breaking “Eras” Tour, were expected to draw around 65,000 fans per show and generate significant revenue for Vienna. Despite efforts to enhance security, organizers decided to cancel the concerts to ensure the safety of attendees.
Swift has not yet commented on the Vienna cancellations. After a similar attack in Britain, she expressed her shock and grief over the tragedy.
Broader Implications
Austria’s top security official, Franz Ruf, highlighted the swift action taken by authorities to prevent the attack. The country experienced its first deadly jihadist attack in November 2020, when a convicted IS sympathizer killed four people and wounded 23 in a shooting spree in Vienna.
As the “Eras” Tour continues its European leg, security measures remain heightened to protect fans and venues. The tour, which started in Paris in May, has been a massive success, selling over $1 billion in tickets and expected to double that by its conclusion in Vancouver in December.