Security measures have been increased for Taylor Swift’s concerts in Vienna, Austria, this week after two suspects were arrested for allegedly plotting a terror attack, authorities said.
A 19-year-old Austrian citizen was arrested Wednesday morning and a second suspect was arrested in the afternoon, according to Franz Ruf, director-general for public safety in the Ministry of the Interior.
The suspects allegedly radicalized themselves online, Ruf said at a press conference. The 19-year-old suspect allegedly pledged allegiance to the leader of the Islamic State in the beginning of July, Ruf said.
Vienna was a target of their planned attack and the 19-year-old suspect had a particular focus on Swift’s Vienna concert, Ruf said.
Taylor Swift performs onstage during “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour,” July 27, 2024, in Munich, Germany.
Thomas Niedermueller/TAS24/Getty Images
The pop star has concerts in Vienna this Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The shows are expected to draw 65,000 concertgoers per day, with an additional 10,000 to 15,000 fans outside of the area, police said.
Swift kicked off the massively successful “Eras Tour” in Glendale, Arizona, on March 18, 2023.
In October 2023, the pop star released a concert film chronicling the record-breaking tour, “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour,” that went on to break records of its own and earn a Golden Globe nomination.
At the 100th stop of the tour this summer in Liverpool, England, the 14-time Grammy winner told the audience the tour “has definitely been the most exhausting, all-encompassing, but most joyful, most rewarding, most wonderful thing that has ever happened in my life thus far.”
The “Eras Tour” will end in Vancouver, Canada, on Dec. 8.
ABC News’ Carson Blackwelder contributed to this report.
Vienna, Austria – In a shocking turn of events, police have arrested two individuals for allegedly planning a terror plot at a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna. The suspects, whose identities have not been released to the public, were apprehended by authorities after a tip-off from a concerned citizen.
According to reports, the suspects had been under surveillance for several weeks leading up to the concert, which was scheduled to take place at the Wiener Stadthalle. Police were able to gather enough evidence to warrant their arrest before any harm could be done.
The motive behind the planned attack is still unclear, but authorities are taking the threat very seriously. The suspects are currently being held in custody as the investigation continues.
In light of this incident, security measures at the concert have been significantly heightened. Fans attending the show can expect increased police presence, thorough bag checks, and strict security protocols in place to ensure their safety.
Taylor Swift has not yet made a public statement regarding the incident, but it is likely that she will address the situation at her concert. The pop star is known for her strong stance against violence and has been an advocate for peace and unity in her music.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of terrorism in today’s world. It is a testament to the dedication and vigilance of law enforcement agencies in preventing such attacks and keeping the public safe.
As more details emerge about the suspects and their motives, it is important for the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to authorities. Concert-goers should also take extra precautions and follow security guidelines to ensure their own safety.
Overall, this incident highlights the importance of staying alert and working together to combat terrorism in all its forms. By remaining united and informed, we can continue to protect our communities and prevent senseless acts of violence from occurring.
