In the Austrian capital Vienna, two suspects were arrested on Wednesday morning on suspicion of terrorism. The two are said to have planned an attack on Taylor Swift’s concert in Vienna, among other things.
This was reported by Franz Ruf, Director General of Public Security at the Austrian Ministry of the Interior.
Taylor Swift will perform Thursday, Friday and Saturday night at a sold-out Ernst-Happel-Stadium in Vienna, Austria. Streets around the stadium were closed off and neighbours were evacuated. “There is a concrete suspicion that there is a danger to Taylor Swift’s concerts,” Kronen Zeitung was told.
On Wednesday morning, a suspect was arrested who allegedly planned an attack on a concert by an American singer in Vienna. The 19-year-old Austrian with North Macedonian roots lives with his family in Ternitz, about 77 kilometres south of Vienna. During a house search, chemical substances were seized. These are currently being investigated.
Shortly afterwards, another suspect was arrested in Vienna. The suspects are said to have pledged allegiance to the terrorist organisation Islamic State (IS) a few weeks ago. The two have probably radicalised themselves on the internet, writes Kronen Zeitung. The police are now investigating whether there are other accomplices.
Increased security
The situation in the capital has calmed down, but it is still considered a “very sensitive” case. Security checks around the three Taylor Swift concerts on Thursday, Friday and Saturday will therefore be significantly increased.
And Swifties need not fear. There is currently no talk of cancelling the concerts. “Visitors should, however, expect delays upon arrival and entry,” the police said.