Terror Suspect Confesses Plot to Attack Taylor Swift Concert

Terror Suspect Confesses Plot to Attack Taylor Swift Concert

© Imago
© Imago

 

A 19-year-old terror suspect arrested in connection with a planned attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna has made a comprehensive confession, security authorities revealed on Thursday.

According to Franz Ruf, the General Director for Public Security, the suspect intended for the attack to take place either on Thursday or Friday.

“His plan was to kill people outside the stadium,” Ruf said at a press conference.

US superstar Taylor Swift was scheduled to perform three sold-out concerts at Vienna’s Ernst Happel Stadium on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. All three concerts have been cancelled due to the planned attack.

Read more: Taylor Swift Concerts in Vienna Canceled Due to Planned Terrorist Attack

Omar Haijawi-Pirchner, Director of the State Protection and Intelligence Department (DSN), reported that the suspect, who was found with materials linked to the terrorist organisations IS and Al-Qaeda, intended to use explosives and bladed weapons.

Timeline of Events

On July 25, the 19-year-old resigned from his job in Ternitz, Lower Austria, changed his appearance to resemble that of an IS fighter, and then focused on “preparing a terrorist attack,” according to Ruf.

During a search of his residence, police discovered bomb-making instructions and 12% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a caustic bleaching agent. When combined with other chemicals like acetone and acid, H2O2 can be used to produce the highly explosive liquid TATP.

Haijawi-Pirchner confirmed that the 19-year-old already possessed a “functional TATP” device. The chemicals may have been stolen from his former workplace, a chemical company. The search also yielded detonators, ignition cables, knives, machetes and €21,000 in counterfeit currency.

Additionally, the 19-year-old was found in possession of a blue light and a siren, which he had reportedly tested. “He either intended to use it to reach the crime scene or to flee,” Haijawi-Pirchner explained.

Initially, the DSN believed the suspect was acting alone. “However, through existing intelligence, we were able to determine that he was part of an Islamist network,” said Haijawi-Pirchner.

A second suspect, a 17-year-old of Turkish-Croatian descent, was arrested on Wednesday afternoon near the stadium. The youth had been employed by a facilities company scheduled to provide food and beverage services at the stadium on Thursday evening. He was already known to state security and has so far refused to make a statement.

Neither suspect had tickets for the concerts.

In a further development, a 15-year-old with a Turkish background is also in police custody and is currently being questioned. He is believed to have been aware of the 19-year-old’s terrorist plans, although the extent of his involvement remains unclear.

The DSN is not currently seeking any additional suspects, but Haijawi-Pirchner emphasised that the investigation could uncover further accomplices or individuals with prior knowledge.

Ongoing Security Concerns

Regarding the current national threat level, Haijawi-Pirchner stated that Austria remains at terror alert level 4. When questioned about the safety of other upcoming major events, such as the Coldplay concert in Vienna or the Frequency Festival in St. Pölten later this month, Haijawi-Pirchner responded, “There are no indications that other concerts are under specific threat.”

Following the 19-year-old’s arrest, the Happel Stadium was searched for suspicious items by police search teams and sniffer dogs. No dangerous items were found.

Chancellor: tragedy prevented

In a statement on Thursday, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer thanked the security authorities for preventing a tragedy, emphasising that Islamist political terrorism aims to “sow hatred between different groups and religions.”

“It is unimaginable what devastating consequences this could have had. It could have resulted in numerous deaths and injuries,” Nehammer said.

The Chancellor also expressed understanding for the disappointment of the fans who had been looking forward to the events, but stressed that safety must come first. “The organiser acted very responsibly and understandably in cancelling the event,” he added.

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