Austrian authorities have arrested three teenage boys suspected of planning a terrorist attack at a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna. The primary suspect, a 19-year-old Austrian citizen, was apprehended in Ternitz, about 30 miles from Vienna. According to Omar Haijawi-Pirchner, head of the Directorate of State Security and Intelligence, the suspect intended to carry out a suicide attack using knives and explosives with the goal of causing mass casualties at the event.
The suspect, who has been fully cooperative with the authorities, had been radicalized by ISIS and had posted an oath of allegiance to the terrorist organization’s leader. Investigators discovered explosives, detonators, and bomb-making materials in his home. The young man, who has Turkish and Croatian roots, had also been planning the attack since July and worked for a company contracted to provide services at the concert venue.
Two other teenagers, aged 15 and 17, were also arrested in connection with the plot. The 17-year-old, who refused to cooperate with the authorities, had Islamic State and Al-Qaeda propaganda in his possession. Officials have indicated that these suspects were in contact with others who were aware of the attack, though no additional suspects are being sought at this time.
The planned attack led to the cancellation of three of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour concerts in Vienna, which were scheduled for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The decision to cancel the shows was made with the assistance of foreign intelligence agencies that helped uncover the plot. Some fans, who had traveled from other continents to attend the concerts, were left stunned by the news.
The incident highlights the continued threat of radicalization and the importance of international cooperation in preventing terrorist activities. Austrian authorities have emphasized the seriousness of the plot and the swift action taken to avert a potential tragedy.
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