According to Austrian officials, two suspects arrested for plotting terror attacks on Taylor Swift’s canceled shows in Vienna, Austria, have apparent links to the Islamic State group and al-Qaida.
The main suspect, a 19-year-old Austrian citizen, was arrested on Tuesday. Police found evidence at his home indicating allegiance to the Islamic State group and discovered chemical substances believed to be used for bomb construction.
After bomb-making materials were discovered, approximately 100 neighbors had to be evacuated for safety while the police removed the materials.
The second suspect, a 17-year-old, was also arrested on the same day. Islamic State group material was found in his home, and it was revealed he had secured employment at the venue where Swift’s concerts were scheduled.
Additional individuals are in police custody as investigations continue.
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Swift’s “Eras Tour” shows in Vienna, set for Aug. 8, 9, and 10, were canceled the day before they were supposed to start when police uncovered the 19-year-old’s attack plans. The suspect had been plotting the attacks since July, prepared to use knives or explosives.
The 19-year-old confessed to planning to “kill as many people as possible outside the concert venue,” authorities stated. The 17-year-old has not responded to the allegations at this time.
Despite enhanced security measures, the sold-out Vienna shows were ultimately canceled due to an “abstract danger” still existing, even as the immediate threat was minimized.
Despite the cancellations, devastated fans gathered in Vienna to show solidarity.
Swift’s next stop is London, with shows scheduled at Wembley Stadium starting on Aug. 15.
London’s Metropolitan Police have confirmed that the singer’s concerts will proceed as planned, as there is no indication of any connection to the foiled plot in Austria.
At present, Taylor Swift has not publicly commented on the incident.
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