Authorities in Austria have arrested two suspected extremists, with one of them allegedly planning an attack on an event in the Vienna area, potentially targeting upcoming Taylor Swift concerts. The main suspect, a 19-year-old individual, was apprehended in Ternitz, located south of Vienna, while the second person was detained in the Austrian capital.
According to Franz Ruf, the public security director at Austria's interior ministry, there were indications of 'preparatory actions' for a possible attack, with a specific focus on the Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna. The 19-year-old suspect had reportedly sworn allegiance to the Islamic State group and is believed to have been radicalized online.
Authorities have secured chemical substances in connection with the case, which are currently under evaluation. While specific details were not disclosed, security measures for the upcoming concerts at Vienna's Ernst Happel Stadium have been heightened in response to the situation.
Taylor Swift is scheduled to perform at the stadium on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday as part of her Eras Tour. Vienna police chief Gerhard Pürstl emphasized that while concrete danger has been minimized, a general risk assessment justifies the increased security measures. Concert attendees are advised to allow extra time for entry checks and cooperate with authorities to ensure a safe environment for all.
