Suspects in foiled attack on Taylor Swift Vienna concerts inspired by IS group

A steward guides fans of US singer Taylor Swift, also known as Swifties, as they arrive to buy merchandise outside the National Stadium in Warsaw on July 31, 2024. © Sergei Gapon, AFP

The two suspects in an alleged plot to attack three Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna appeared to have been inspired by the Islamic State group and al-Qaida, Austrian officials said on Thursday. 

Both suspects in a foiled plot to attack Taylor Swift shows in Vienna appeared to be inspired by the Islamic State group and al-Qaida, Austrian authorities said Thursday, and investigators found bomb-making materials at one of their homes. Officials said one of the two confessed to planning to “kill as many people as possible outside the concert venue.”