Austrian Authorities Arrest Two Men Over Alleged Terror Plot Targeting Taylor Swift Concerts
Austrian authorities have reportedly arrested two men suspected of plotting terror attacks on upcoming Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna. The arrests came after a thorough investigation in Ternitz, Lower Austria, which involved evacuating residents and cordoning off roads.
One of the suspects, a 19-year-old man, allegedly pledged allegiance to ISIS. Franz Ruf, the security director for Austria’s interior ministry, shared this information at a press briefing on August 6. The other suspect, also linked to the terror group, was arrested in Vienna. No further details about this second individual have been released.
The investigation in Ternitz, where the 19-year-old lives with his family, involved a lengthy operation. Police searched his home, finding “chemical substances” that are now being tested.
Photos from the scene show officers in protective gear carrying boxes and items from the house.
Authorities also discovered detailed plans of the alleged attacks during their search. Both suspects are believed to have been radicalized online. It is not yet clear what charges they will face.
In response to these threats, security measures for Taylor’s concerts in Vienna have been significantly increased. Austrian police have boosted surveillance and added more security personnel, both in uniform and plainclothes. They did not confirm whether these measures are directly linked to the arrests in Ternitz.
Taylor Swift is scheduled to perform in Vienna from August 8 to August 10 as part of her Eras Tour. Fans from various countries are expected to attend the concerts, which now come with heightened security to ensure their safety.
