kerala-logo

Planned Terror Attack on Taylor Swift Concerts in Vienna Foiled: ISIS Links Discovered


Both suspects in a recent thwarted plot to attack several Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna were found to be influenced by the ideologies of Islamic State and al-Qaida, Austrian authorities revealed on Thursday. Investigators have also uncovered bomb-making materials at the residence of one of the suspects. Authorities disclosed that one of the suspects had confessed to orchestrating a plan aimed at “killing as many people as possible outside the concert venue.”

The planned attack led to the heartbreaking cancellation of three highly anticipated, sold-out concerts, disappointing Taylor Swift fans who had traveled from across the globe at considerable expense. Wednesday’s abrupt cancellations left the Ernst Happel Stadium, which was expected to host up to 65,000 fans each night and an additional 30,000 onlookers outside, eerily silent on Thursday morning.

The suspects had planned their attack for either Thursday or Friday, according to Gerhard Karner, Austria’s interior minister. Fans in Vienna gathered around the stadium, leaving bracelets on trees and collecting others as they mourned the canceled shows. These fans were dealt a severe blow, having spent thousands of euros on travel and lodging for the Eras Tour shows.

Authorities have identified the main suspect as a 19-year-old who began planning the attack last month. The suspect reportedly swore an oath of allegiance to the current leader of Islamic State in a recent online post. “He was clearly radicalized in the direction of the Islamic State and thinks it is right to kill infidels,” stated Omar Haijawi-Pirchner, head of the Directorate of State Security and Intelligence. The weapons of choice for the planned attack included knives and homemade explosives.

A raid conducted at the main suspect’s home in Ternitz, located south of Vienna, uncovered chemical substances and technical devices, signifying concrete preparatory actions. Further investigations at the second suspect’s home revealed materials linked to Islamic State and al-Qaida. Although the second suspect, a 17-year-old, has refused to cooperate with authorities, it was noted that he had recently been hired by a company providing unspecified services for the concert venue.

The 19-year-old suspect has Austrian citizenship with North Macedonian roots, while the 17-year-old is also Austrian, descended from Turkish and Croatian heritage. The North Macedonian Interior Ministry confirmed they had received a request from Austrian authorities to investigate the 19-year-old. Both suspects remain unnamed due to Austrian privacy regulations and were arrested on Tuesday.

Join Get ₹99!

.

Recent behavioral shifts were observed in both suspects. The 19-year-old had resigned from his job, claiming he had “big plans,” while the younger suspect had recently ended a relationship with his girlfriend. Neither possessed tickets to the concerts they targeted.

Following the arrests, Austria’s intelligence service worked collaboratively with foreign intelligence agencies, though specific agencies were not named. The cooperation was crucial as Austrian investigators lack the legal capability to monitor text messages. Police also interrogated a 15-year-old who had been in communication with the suspects, though no additional arrests are anticipated.

Gerhard Karner emphasized the gravity of the situation but noted that a potentially catastrophic event was averted. Concert organizer Barracuda Music announced in an Instagram post late Wednesday that canceling the shows was the only viable option to ensure everyone’s safety. All tickets will be refunded, and Austrian rail operator OeBB will reimburse fans for unused train tickets.

Taylor Swift has yet to comment publicly on the foiled attack or the subsequent cancellations. However, “Taylor Nation,” an Instagram account believed to be managed by her team, reposted Barracuda Music’s cancellation announcement. Swift’s official account remained silent.

The planned attack follows a tragic event last month in England, where an attacker killed three girls and injured ten others during a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga class. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer supported the decision to cancel the Vienna concerts, acknowledging the understandable disappointment but maintaining that safety must take precedence.

As Taylor Swift prepares to perform at London’s Wembley Stadium from August 15 to 20, to close the European leg of her Eras Tour, London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed his understanding of Vienna’s security concerns while affirming his city’s commitment to proceed with their plans, learning from past security challenges, like the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing that disrupted an Ariana Grande concert.

Taylor Swift has previously expressed her fears of large-scale violence at her concerts, especially following the Manchester attack and the Las Vegas shooting in 2017. Extensive measures and preparations have been made to ensure the safety of concertgoers, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with mass public events.

Kerala Lottery Result
Tops