BERLIN — Two suspected extremists were arrested in Austria on Wednesday, one of whom appeared to be planning an attack on an event in the Vienna area as next Taylor Swift concertsauthorities said.
The main suspect, aged 19, was arrested in Ternitz, south of Vienna, and the second in the Austrian capital.
Franz Ruf, director of public security at Austria’s Interior Ministry, said authorities were aware of “preparatory measures” for a possible attack “and also that the 19-year-old perpetrator is targeting Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna.” . ”reported the Austrian Press Agency.
Ruf said the 19-year-old had sworn an oath of allegiance to the Islamic State group.
The Austrian citizen is believed to have been radicalized on the Internet. Ruf said the chemicals were seized and were being evaluated. He did not give further details.
Swift has concerts scheduled at Vienna’s Ernst Happel Stadium on Thursday, Friday and Saturday as part of her Tour of the eras. Security measures will be reinforced during the concerts. Ruf said that, among other things, special attention will be paid to entry controls and that concertgoers should plan a little more time.
Vienna police chief Gerhard Pürstl said that while any concrete danger has been minimized, an abstract risk justifies increased security.
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