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Security guards remove barriers in front of the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna, Austria, on August 8, 2024, after the three concerts of US mega-star Taylor Swift were cancelled following the arrest of an Islamic State sympathiser in connection with an attack plot. (AFP)
The 19-year-old main suspect had confessed, saying he “intended to carry out an attack using explosives and knives,” domestic intelligence agency (DSN) head said
Authorities in Austria have revealed that one of the suspects arrested in connection with an alleged terrorist plot targeting Taylor Swift’s now-canceled concerts had chemical substances and technical devices at his residence.
The 19-year-old Austrian, with North Macedonian roots, was described by officials as having been “clearly radicalized in the direction of the Islamic State” and intending to commit violence against “infidels,” according to Omar Haijawi-Pirchner, head of the Directorate of State Security and Intelligence.
‘Big plans’
The suspect had recently quit his job and allegedly stated he had “big plans.” Investigators found ISIS and Al Qaeda-related materials at the home of a second suspect, a 17-year-old Austrian with Turkish and Croatian roots, who had recently ended a relationship. According to Fox News, authorities say this individual was involved in planning an attack using knives and homemade explosive devices.
The 19-year-old suspect had reportedly pledged allegiance to ISIS on social media shortly before the planned attack. Both suspects were detained after a search uncovered explosives and other materials. The second suspect, employed at a facility management company serving the Ernst Happel Stadium, was arrested near the venue.
Foiled plot
The foiled plot led to the cancellation of three sold-out Taylor Swift concerts scheduled to begin Thursday at the stadium, which would have drawn an estimated 170,000 attendees. Barracuda Music, the event organizer, announced on Instagram that the cancellation was made for public safety, and all ticket holders will receive automatic refunds within ten business days.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer praised the early detection and prevention of the planned attack, emphasizing the seriousness of the threat and the effective response by emergency services. “The situation surrounding the apparently planned terrorist attack in Vienna was very serious,” Nehammer said, adding that the threat was successfully mitigated.
Public security director Franz Ruf noted that the 19-year-old suspect had uploaded an ISIS oath of allegiance to an internet account. The 17-year-old was employed by a company providing services at the stadium, and extensive Islamic State and Al Qaeda materials were found at his home.
Interior Minister Gerhard Karner confirmed that no other suspects are being sought in relation to the plot. Despite the threat, Taylor Swift’s upcoming concerts in the United Kingdom are expected to proceed as scheduled, according to London’s Metropolitan Police.
(With agency inputs)
Read More: New Details Surface About Lethal Devices Found At Taylor Swift Plot Suspect’s Home – News18
