Third Suspect Arrested in Thwarted Plot Against Canceled Taylor Swift Concerts in Vienna

Authorities are delving into the “networks” of suspects involved in a planned attack on Taylor Swift’s Vienna concerts, with one suspect’s alleged allegiance to the Islamic State under the microscope.

VIENNA, Austria — A third teenager has been arrested in connection with a thwarted attack on Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna, as confirmed by Austria’s interior minister on Friday.

Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner announced the arrest of an 18-year-old in Vienna on Thursday evening, tied to the primary suspect. Karner disclosed this during a separate press briefing on Friday.

The Austrian Interior Ministry informed The Associated Press that investigators are now analyzing both physical and electronic evidence, with special attention to the suspects’ “networks”.

The primary suspect, a 19-year-old, along with a 17-year-old, were detained on Tuesday. A 15-year-old was questioned but not arrested, with names withheld as per Austrian privacy laws.

Officials clarified on Thursday that no additional arrests are being pursued and have yet to provide further updates on Friday.

The plot reportedly drew inspiration from extremist factions like the Islamic State group and al-Qaida. Investigators discovered bomb-making components at the primary suspect’s residence. Allegedly, the suspect planned to “kill as many people as possible” at the concert venue using knives or explosives.

Both the primary suspect and the recently arrested 18-year-old had pledged “oaths of allegiance” to the Islamic State group. Karner noted the 18-year-old’s tangential connection to the main suspect, having taken an oath to IS on August 6.

The disruption has led to the cancellation of three sold-out concerts, disappointing fans worldwide. Many attendees had already spent substantial sums on travel and accommodation in Vienna to witness the Eras Tour at the Ernst Happel Stadium.

Organizers expected up to 65,000 fans per concert, with another 30,000 outside. Authorities believe the attack was planned for Thursday or Friday.

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer defended canceling the concerts, citing the proximity of the arrests to the scheduled events. “Safety must come first,” Nehammer emphasized during a Thursday news conference.

Concert organizer Barracuda Music announced the cancellation via Instagram, assuring ticket holders of refunds. Swift’s official website mirrored this information for the Vienna dates.

Swift’s next performance is set for London’s Wembley Stadium in mid-August, concluding the European leg of her Eras Tour. London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed understanding for Vienna’s decision but confirmed that London will proceed with heightened security measures inspired by lessons from the 2017 Manchester attack.

In a recent incident, a knife attack at a Swift-themed event in England left three dead and ten injured. Swift stated she was “completely in shock” following the violence.

Swift has remained silent on the Vienna plot and cancellations. Her team’s verified Instagram page briefly shared Barracuda Music’s announcement, but her main account remains inactive on the issue.

Shiraz Maher, a King’s College London expert on Islamic extremism, noted that attackers aim for high-casualty soft targets. The planned attack underscores this strategy.

This report includes contributions from AP writers in Berlin, Copenhagen, Warsaw, London, and Washington.