Austrian Authorities Foil Terror Plot Targeting Taylor Swift Concerts

Austrian authorities discovered Islamic State and al-Qaida material at the home of a suspect in a foiled plot to attack Taylor Swift concerts. The suspects, ages 17 and 19, planned to use knives and explosives. The concerts were canceled, and no further suspects are being sought.

Authorities uncovered Islamic State group and al-Qaida materials at the residence of the second suspect linked to an aborted plot against canceled Taylor Swift concerts in Austria. The Interior Minister, Gerhard Karner, announced on Thursday in Vienna that no additional suspects are being pursued after the arrests of two individuals.

'The situation was serious, the situation is serious. But we can also say: A tragedy was prevented,' Karner stated.

Austrian security forces detained the second suspect, a 17-year-old Austrian with Turkish and Croatian ancestry, near the concert venue, while a 19-year-old Austrian was also apprehended. To comply with privacy regulations, their names were not disclosed. Officials claim the suspects intended to carry out an attack outside the stadium using knives or improvised explosives. They assert that the main suspect, aged 19, who has North Macedonian roots, confessed to his plans.

The second suspect, recently employed by a facility company servicing the venue, had extensive Islamic State and al-Qaida materials at his home. The canceled shows left fans across the world, who had invested heavily in travel and accommodations, disappointed. The media observed an empty Ernst Happel Stadium on Thursday morning.

(With inputs from agencies.)