- Suspects of terrorism had Swift's concert in Vienna in their sights
After the arrest of two terrorism suspects in Austria, security measures at the concerts of US singer Taylor Swift this week in Vienna will be significantly increased. Both upon arrival and at the Ernst-Happel Stadium itself, there will be enhanced controls, the police announced. Visitors should expect searches at the concerts on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and should allocate more time accordingly.
Focus on Taylor Swift concerts
In Ternitz, about 75 kilometers southwest of Vienna, a 19-year-old Austrian was arrested, according to the police, who had concrete plans for attacks in the Vienna area. "We have also established that there is a focus of the 19-year-old suspect on the Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna," said Franz Ruf, Director General for Public Security in the Austrian Ministry of the Interior. The young man had radicalized himself on the internet and had recently sworn allegiance to the terrorist organization Islamic State (IS).
Another person was arrested in Vienna. The police did not say what relationship the two arrested individuals have to each other or whether the police are searching for accomplices.
Chemical substances
The police did not say exactly what the 19-year-old had planned. However, chemical substances were secured from him. The police searched a house in Ternitz. Investigators in protective clothing were seen there. Due to concerns about possible explosive traps, the police cordoned off the building extensively. This required many people to leave their apartments. Part of a retirement home was also evacuated.
At each of the three concerts, 65,000 people are expected in the sold-out stadium, as well as around 20,000 fans who will come to the arena without tickets, said the Vienna Police President Gerhard Pürstl. "The findings of the investigation give cause for increased police surveillance," he said.
Although the concrete danger has been minimized, an abstract danger still exists. The police cannot cancel such events, said the police president in response to a journalist's question. Their task is to ensure security.
The police have also mobilized anti-terror special forces, including officers in civilian clothing and those with special training and dogs. "Video surveillance will be carried out both mobile and stationary," the police announced. "The airspace will also be monitored by suitable means."
Austrian Vice-Chancellor Werner Kogler (Greens) thanked the investigators. "Terrorists want to make us afraid and drive us apart," he wrote on the short messaging service X. "We will not let them destroy our way of life."
In light of the 19-year-old suspect's focus on the Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna, it was announced that there will be enhanced security measures at these events. IS was mentioned as the terrorist organization the suspect had sworn allegiance to.
Despite the recent arrests and discovery of chemical substances, Vienna Police President Gerhard Pürstl confirmed that the 65,000 ticketed concert-goers and around 20,000 unauthorized fans should expect increased security measures, as the findings of the investigation warranted additional police surveillance.
