“Breaking: Terror Suspect Claims He Planned to Kill Taylor Swift and Fans Before Committing Suicide – Fans Demand Investigation into Possible Internal Conspiracy!”
A suspect accused of plotting a terrorist attack at Taylor Swift’s concerts in Vienna intended to kill “as many people as possible” outside the stadium, according to officials.
The 19-year-old Austrian, who police arrested on Wednesday in connection with the foiled plot targeting a Swift show at Ernst Happel Stadium, had planned an attack on fans involving “bladed weapons as well as the construction of a bomb,” according to a press release provided by the Vienna Federal Ministry of the Interior on Thursday.
During a search of the suspect’s home, officials found “chemical substances, liquids, explosive and technical devices that could be used to manufacture explosives,” said Franz Ruf, director general for public security. Bomb-making instructions and machetes were also found.
“He wanted to carry out an attack in the area outside the stadium, killing as many people as possible using the knives or even using the explosive devices he had made,” according to national intelligence head Omar Haijawi-Pirchner.
Suspect in alleged Taylor Swift concert plot swore allegiance to ISIS, officials say
The suspect, who had recently quit his job and said he had “big plans,” swore allegiance to ISIS and fully confessed to the charges against him, officials said.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Police also arrested a 17-year-old who was employed by a facility management company that would have been on duty during Swift’s concert, officials said. A 15-year-old was detained and questioned by police, as well. Officials are not searching for any more suspects.
Taylor Swift’sLondon shows not affected by Vienna cancellations, British police say
“There is currently no information that other concerts are subject to an explicit threat,” Haijawi-Pirchner said.
British police said they did not believe the planned attack in Vienna would affect Swift’s upcoming London shows.
USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for Swift for comment. The singer has not yet spoken publicly about the situation.
Taylor Swiftterror plot linked to ISIS: Are they still a threat?
Swift canceled three of her Eras Tour shows in Vienna on Wednesday after news of the planned terrorist attack was revealed. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner said Thursday the situation “was serious and remains serious” but that a “tragedy was averted.”
2 arrestedin suspected terrorist plot at Taylor Swift’s upcoming concerts
Taylor Swift Vienna concert tickets to be automatically refunded
“We have no choice but to cancel the three scheduled shows for everyone’s safety,” Barracuda Music, the promoter for the Austrian shows, said. “All tickets will be automatically refunded within the next 10 business days.”
Get the Daily Briefing newsletter in your inbox.
The day’s top stories, from sports to movies to politics to world events.
Delivery: Daily
Ruf previously said that investigations identified “preparatory actions” and uncovered that the 19-year-old suspect “had a particular focus on the Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna.”
Contributing: Alexandra Schwarz-Goerlich, Miranda Murray, Riham Alkousaa and Rachel More, Reuters; Bryan West, Taijuan Moorman and Edward Segarra, USA TODAY
