Swift Concert Cancellation Due to Potential Terrorist Attack
Organizers of a planned concert by US pop star Taylor Swift in Vienna were forced to cancel the event after receiving intelligence about a potential terrorist attack. Austrian authorities arrested two individuals, including a 19-year-old suspected of planning a suicide attack.
The potential attack was discovered thanks to cooperation between Austrian police and the newly established DSN (State Security and Intelligence Service). The main suspect, a North Macedonian national, had reportedly changed his appearance and aligned himself with Islamic State propaganda.
“The situation was very serious,” Interior Minister Gerhard Karner stated, highlighting the recent attack at a Taylor Swift-themed event in Britain that claimed the lives of three girls.
How the Threat Was Uncovered:
- Authorities received information from foreign partners.
- The investigation began after two individuals were identified planning an attack at the concerts.
The Suspects:
- The main suspect, a North Macedonian national, had recently changed his appearance and behavior.
- The second suspect, of Turkish or Croatian descent, is separated from his girlfriend.
Consequences of the Cancellation:
- Approximately 65,000 people had purchased tickets for the three concerts.
- Refunds will be issued for the canceled events.
Previous Terrorist Attacks in Austria:
- This was the first jihadist attack with fatalities in Austria since November 2020, when an Islamic State supporter shot and injured 23 people in Vienna.