Austrian authorities reported on Wednesday that two individuals linked to ISIS have been arrested for planning a terrorist attack during the American singer Taylor Swift’s concerts, scheduled to take place this week in Vienna.
Franz Ruf, the Director General of Public Security, explained at a press conference that a 19-year-old Austrian citizen was detained in Ternitz, a town located in the state of Lower Austria, according to the public broadcasting corporation ORF.
Ruf detailed that the young man had become radicalized online in recent months and had pledged allegiance to the terrorist group Islamic State. During the operation, house searches were conducted, and chemicals were seized.
A second suspect was arrested in Vienna in connection with the Ternitz operation, although authorities have not provided further details and indicated that an investigation has been opened to clarify the attempted attack.
The American singer will perform three times at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna from August 8 to 10. Vienna State Police Chief Gerhard Pürstl has advised the public to arrive early as security measures will be intensified.
