Two suspects arrested in Austria for allegedly planning attack on Taylor Swift concert
After a series of successful programs in Poland, Taylor Swift‘s three-night tour at Vienna’s Ernst Happel Arena has been cancelled due to reports of a planned terrorist attack. On Thursday, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer shared details about the scope of the schemes, leading to the arrest of two suspects.
Nehammer said Thursday, according to New York Times. Quoting Austrian authorities, Time The main suspect was reportedly a 19-year-old who had been “radicalized online and pledged allegiance to the Islamic State,” and confessed during questioning. A 17-year-old was also arrested in connection with the alleged plot.
Franz Ruf, Austria’s public safety chief said the main suspect lived with his parents and police found machetes, knives, explosives, stopwatches, counterfeit money, explosive-making chemicals and Islamic State propaganda at the home. The alleged plot was uncovered after colleagues heard the suspect say he had “big plans,” according to Time.
Barracuda Music, the concert organizer for the Vienna leg of Swift’s multi-year Eras Tour, announced the cancellations in a statement on Wednesday. “We have no choice but to cancel three scheduled shows for everyone’s safety,” the company said in a statement. Instagram Post. “All tickets will be automatically refunded.”
The discovery of the alleged plot came just days after Three young girls were killed by an attacker at a Swift-themed dance class. in Southport, England. Swift has answered with a heartfelt message on her Instagram account. “The horror of yesterday’s attack in Southport continues to hit me, and I am in complete shock,” she wrote. “The loss of life and innocence, and the terrible trauma inflicted on all those present, the families and first responders. They were just kids in a dance class. I am at a complete loss of words to convey my sympathy to these families.”
A representative for Swift did not immediately respond. Vanity Fairrequest for comment.