Taylor Swift is making a comeback to the stage following a thwarted terror attack that led to the cancellation of all three of her “Eras Tour” concerts in Austria last week.
Starting Thursday, the pop star will begin the first of five performances at London’s Wembley Stadium.
Security measures were already expected to be stringent for the venue accommodating approximately 90,000 fans per night, but now there will be additional precautions in place.
As of Thursday, individuals will not be allowed to gather outside Wembley during Swift’s shows. Only ticket-holders will be permitted at the venue as authorities aim to ensure clear entrances and exits. In the past, fans without tickets have enjoyed their own gatherings outside the venue during Swift’s performances.
These restrictions have been implemented following the arrest of three teenagers, all with ties to ISIS, last week in connection with plans to carry out an attack outside Swift’s Vienna shows.
Although the Metropolitan Police in London have stated that there are no indications of the Vienna incidents affecting Swift’s London shows, they are monitoring any new developments closely.
The UK’s Minister of State for Crime, Policing, and Fire, Diana Johnson, mentioned that security services are collaborating with Austrian authorities and various national security agencies in the UK to maintain safety in light of the events in Austria.
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Swift has not publicly commented following the cancellation of her Vienna tour dates scheduled for August 8, 9, and 10.
The primary suspect, a 19-year-old Austrian citizen, and a 17-year-old were apprehended last Tuesday. Authorities discovered incriminating evidence linking both individuals to the Islamic State group. The 19-year-old had bomb-making materials in his residence, while the 17-year-old had secured employment at the venue, Ernst Happel Stadium, where Swift’s Austria concerts were supposed to take place.
The 19-year-old confessed to planning to cause harm to as many people as possible outside the concert venue, as per authorities.
Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner stated that an 18-year-old was also arrested for allegedly having contact with the main suspect, even though he did not partake in planning the attack. The individual did pledge allegiance to ISIS.
Investigators are currently examining the connections between the suspects and assessing both physical and electronic evidence. A 15-year-old was questioned but not detained.
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