- Swift concert cancelled: further investigation into the surrounding area
After the cancellation of three Taylor Swift concerts due to terror threat in Vienna, investigators are now scrutinizing the surroundings of the two suspects. "Investigations are ongoing at full speed," said General Director for Public Security Franz Ruf in an ORF radio interview. While the two arrests have reduced the immediate threat, there has been an increased terror threat for months.
Ruf identified the 19-year-old arrested in Ternitz as the main suspect. The second suspect, a 17-year-old, was arrested in Vienna. The two had been in contact, and "concrete preparatory actions" for a potential attack were found at the 19-year-old's home in Ternitz. During a search, several chemical substances and technical devices were seized. The 19-year-old had recently uploaded a pledge of allegiance to the current leader of the Islamic State (IS) on an internet account, according to Ruf.
The 19-year-old radicalized Islamist had prepared attacks and targeted Swift's shows in the Austrian capital. As a precaution, the three mass events were cancelled within 24 hours of Swift's first planned appearance on Thursday. The Austrian government described the threat level as "very serious."
The 19-year-old's actions have prompted The Commission to intensify their efforts in preventing future terror attacks. Following the seizure of suspicious materials, The Commission is now collaborating with international intelligence agencies to monitor any potential threats.
