Two arrested in Vienna on suspicion of planning attacks on Taylor Swift concerts, other large events

Two suspected extremists were arrested in Austria on Wednesday, one of whom appeared to be planning attacks on large events in the Vienna area, such as an upcoming Taylor Swift concert, according to Austrian authorities.

The 19-year-old main suspect was arrested in Ternitz, south of Vienna, while the second suspect was arrested in the Austrian capital.

Franz Ruff, head of Austria’s Interior Ministry’s Public Security Service, said authorities were aware of “preparatory actions” for a possible attack and that “the 19-year-old killer was focused on Taylor Swift’s concert in Vienna,” the Austrian Press Agency reported.

Roof said a “targeted raid” was conducted this morning, coordinated by state and city law enforcement offices.

The Austrian Interior Ministry said both suspects had become radicalized on the Internet and had “made specific preparations for a terrorist attack.” Ruf said the 19-year-old Austrian citizen had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State in July.

Roof also said police had seized chemicals from the main suspect’s home and were evaluating them, but he did not provide further details.

Swift is scheduled to perform at Vienna’s Ernst Happel Stadium on Thursday, Friday and Saturday as part of her Time Tour. Ruff said the concerts will draw up to 65,000 people, with thousands more expected to gather outside the stadium.

Provincial police chief Gerhard Pürstl said security for the concert would be stepped up, including the deployment of plainclothes and uniformed police officers, video surveillance, dog units and other special enforcement units.

Airspace will also be monitored and traffic blockades will be in place to ensure restricted access to car parks and stadium entrances, the ministry said, adding that Austria’s terror alert level remained high.

Vienna Police Chief Martin Puster said that while any concrete danger had been minimized, abstract risks still required increased security. Ruf warned that concertgoers should expect to wait longer.