New information has surfaced regarding the alleged terrorist plot targeted at Taylor Swift during her Eras Tour performances in Vienna.
Swift had been scheduled to perform three concerts at Vienna’s Ernst Happel Stadium between August 8 and August 10, but the events were called off following intelligence of a potential threat. Two suspects were arrested in connection with the planned attack.
According to a statement from concert promoter Barracuda Music, “Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour shows in Vienna have been canceled due to the confirmation of a planned terrorist attack by government officials. For the safety of everyone, we had no choice but to cancel the three shows.”
This threat follows a tragic incident in July where a stabbing at a Swift-themed dance class led to the deaths of two children. In response, Swift expressed her shock and sorrow on social media.
“The horror of yesterday’s attack in Southport is washing over me continuously, and I am just completely in shock,” she posted on her Instagram Story. “The loss of life and innocence, and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families and first responders, is unimaginable.”
Scroll down for the latest details released regarding the terror threat:
How Was the Threat Discovered?
On August 7, concert promoter Barracuda Music confirmed that credible intelligence pointing to a “planned terrorist attack” prompted the cancellation of all three concerts. Vienna’s State Police Director Franz Ruf and Police Chief Gerhard Purstl later confirmed the arrest of two suspects that same day.
One of the arrested was a 19-year-old allegedly linked to ISIS, with authorities reporting he had specific plans for an attack during Swift’s concert.
Details on the Suspects’ Motivations and Plans
On August 8, officials disclosed that the primary suspect had been plotting the attack since July. He reportedly shared an oath of allegiance online to the leader of the Islamic State. Following a search of his residence, it was revealed that he intended to execute the attack using knives or homemade explosives.
The second suspect also exhibited influences from ISIS and al-Qaeda ideologies. As reported by the Associated Press, one of these suspects allegedly confessed to planning to “kill as many people as possible outside the concert.”
“His intent was to carry out an attack outside the stadium, aiming to kill as many individuals as possible with knives or explosive devices,” shared Omar Haijawi-Pirchner, head of the Directorate of State Security and Intelligence, noting that the suspect had shown clear signs of radicalization.
Arrests and Legal Proceedings
While under Austrian privacy laws, the identities of the suspects remain undisclosed, three individuals have been arrested related to the attack planning.
Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner suggested that the foiled attack was planned for either August 7 or August 9. The second suspect, a 17-year-old, had recently been hired by a company providing services at the concert venue. Neither man held tickets to the show, and they were arrested by special police forces close to the stadium.
Karner advised that, at the moment, no additional suspects are under investigation. However, a 15-year-old who was in contact with both suspects was interrogated.
“The situation was serious,” said Karner. “But we are relieved to say a tragedy was averted.”
A third individual, arrested on August 9, was confirmed to be an 18-year-old with social connections to the primary suspect, who had pledged allegiance to ISIS just days prior.
Taylor Swift’s Response
On August 21, after finishing the European leg of her tour, Swift addressed the cancellations on Instagram.
“The cancellation of our Vienna shows was heartbreaking,” she expressed. “The reasons behind it left me feeling both fearful and guilty, knowing how many fans were counting on those concerts. I am incredibly thankful to law enforcement; because of their efforts, we mourn concerts and not lives.”
Addressing criticism over her delayed response, Swift clarified, “I refuse to speak if it might endanger those attending my shows. In these situations, silence signifies restraint; it’s crucial to speak when it’s appropriate. My priority was ensuring the safe conclusion of our tour, and I am relieved to say we succeeded.”
Potential Casualties from the Foiled Attack
David S. Cohen, deputy director of the CIA, disclosed on August 29 that the planned attack aimed to cause a large number of casualties.
“They intended to kill a tremendous number—tens of thousands—at this concert, many of whom would certainly have included Americans,” Cohen remarked. “Austrian authorities were able to apprehend these suspects thanks to shared intelligence from our agency and our partners.”
