BERLIN – The recently foiled plot aiming at attacking Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna was orchestrated by suspects seeking to kill tens of thousands of fans, as per the CIA’s deputy director. The CIA’s intelligence discovery disrupted the planning and led to arrests, with links to the Islamic State group allegedly involved, causing the cancellation of three sold-out Eras Tour shows.
During the annual Intelligence and National Security Summit in Maryland, CIA Deputy Director David Cohen revealed details of the thwarted plot, emphasizing the advanced nature of the planning to harm a massive number of concert attendees, including Americans. The intervention of the Austrian authorities, prompted by the CIA’s information-sharing, led to the arrest of the main suspect, a 19-year-old Austrian man allegedly inspired by the Islamic State group.
The suspect planned to carry out the attack outside the stadium where about 30,000 fans were expected to gather, possibly using knives or homemade explosives. Chemical substances and technical devices were discovered during a raid at the suspect’s residence. Despite the suspect’s lawyer dismissing the allegations, asserting they were exaggerated to push for increased surveillance powers, the cancellation of the concerts left fans devastated.
In a statement posted on Instagram after the London shows, Swift expressed her distress over the cancellations and the fear and guilt they induced. She commended the authorities for their actions, acknowledging that their intervention prevented potential tragedy. Concert organizer Barracuda Music cited the proximity of the arrests to the show dates as the reason for canceling the Vienna concerts.
The 19-year-old suspect and a 17-year-old accomplice were apprehended on Aug. 6, a day before the cancellations were announced. An 18-year-old was arrested two days later. The Vienna plot’s resemblance to the 2017 attack at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England, which claimed 22 lives, highlighted the alarming nature of such extremist threats to large events.
Recognizing the successful prevention of violence, Cohen praised the CIA’s efforts in thwarting the planned attack, emphasizing the importance of such counterterrorism victories. With the tour on hold until fall, Swift has prioritized the safety of her fans and expressed gratitude for the support and understanding of concert attendees during the tumultuous period.
