Austrian authorities have arrested two suspects in connection with a plot to attack a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna. Although the attack was neutralized, police believe there is a “pure threat.” The concert promoter in Austria said it had to cancel the events “for everyone's safety.”
The first suspect, a 19-year-old Austrian, was arrested on Wednesday morning about an hour outside Vienna. Authorities believe he has links to the Islamic State group, to which he “recently” pledged allegiance. Chemicals used to make explosives were found at the suspect's home.
We have discovered the corresponding preparatory works. [a um ataque] “The 19-year-old perpetrator also focused on Taylor Swift's concerts in Vienna,” said Franz Ruf, an Austrian police officer. The suspect had concrete plans to attack the Ernst Happel Stadium, the venue for the concert. Tour of the Ages Next Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Also on Wednesday afternoon, another 17-year-old was arrested, and according to Austrian newspapers, police are searching for three more suspects. Both of those arrested are believed to have been radicalized online.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer Written on X “The threat was identified at an early stage” and “a tragedy was averted,” he said. “The situation surrounding the apparently planned terrorist attack is extremely serious,” he added.
Police chief Gerhard Borstel had said that any decision to cancel concerts must come exclusively from the organisers because “the police ensure security and pass on the facts to the organisation”, but “they cannot simply cancel the event”.
Based on these “facts”, the promoter cancelled the concert and announced that it was now possible to request a refund for tickets. Around 65,000 people were expected to attend each night at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna.
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