The city of Vienna is on high alert as police have intensified security measures around the three Taylor Swift concerts scheduled to take place this week. This move comes after the arrests of two individuals suspected of planning Islamist attacks on large events in the area, including the concerts by the US superstar.
The General Director for Public Security, Franz Ruf, revealed that a 19-year-old Austrian citizen was arrested in Ternitz, Lower Austria, on Wednesday morning. Another arrest took place in Vienna later in the day, but no further details about the suspect were provided.
According to Mr. Ruf, the suspects were radicalized via the internet, with the 19-year-old pledging allegiance to Islamic State in July. A large police operation was conducted in Ternitz, with nearby houses being evacuated as authorities searched the suspect’s home and found chemical substances.
Despite the arrests, Mr. Ruf assured the public that all events in Vienna, including the Taylor Swift concerts at the Ernst-Happel Stadium, would be safeguarded. Entrance checks at the concerts will be closely monitored, with a special focus on security measures.
The head of police in Vienna, Gerhard Pürstl, stated that while the concrete danger has been minimized, an abstract threat still remains. With 65,000 attendees expected daily at the concerts and 22,000 fans outside the venue, security checks will be heightened, and special forces, police dog teams, and anti-terror units will be deployed in the vicinity.
Fans attending the Taylor Swift concerts were advised to anticipate delays during entry and were encouraged to arrive early. Investigations into the suspects and their plans are ongoing as authorities work to ensure the safety of all concert-goers and residents in Vienna.
