2 people arrested for planning terror attack at Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour show in Vienna
Two people were arrested in Vienna, Austria, Wednesday for reportedly planning an attack at one of Taylor Swift’s upcoming Eras Tour shows in the European country.
An unidentified 19-year-old, who is a citizen of Austria, and a second suspect, whose identity also was not disclosed, were taken into police custody in the morning, a public safety official told ABC News.
According to Franz Ruf, director-general for public safety in the Ministry of the Interior, the suspects became radicalized online and pledged allegiance to the leader of the Islamic State in July.
Police raided the teen’s home, where he had been residing with his parents, and found various chemicals and substances, according to Austrian news outlet Kronen Zeitung.
It’s unclear why the two individuals planned to attack at Swift’s concert, but authorities confirmed that one of the sold-out shows was the target.
The pop superstar has not yet commented on the latest news, and her rep did not immediately return Page Six’s request for comment.
It’s unknown whether Swift, 34, will still move forward with the shows scheduled to take place in Vienna this weekend. She has concerts set for Thursday, Friday and Saturday, per her website.
Before the “You Belong With Me” singer performs, Paramore is scheduled to hit the stage at the
Ernst Happel Stadium as the opening act. The band has also not issued a statement on the arrests.
Security checks will reportedly be “massively increased” at the concerts as a result of the foiled attack.
According to Kronen Zeitung, officers with long guns will be on duty and special forces will be on site.
This is the second time in recent weeks that a horrifying criminal act has plagued Swift and her fans.
Three young girls were killed and several cops were injured after a deranged young man went on a stabbing spree at a Swift-themed dance class in northwest England in late July.
The killer has since been identified as 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, who was born in Wales to Rwandan parents. A motive for his murders has not yet been revealed.
Swift said in late July that she was “completely in shock” over what had occurred.
“The horror of yesterday’s attack in Southport is washing over me continuously and I’m just completely in shock…,” the “Fortnight” hitmaker said via an Instagram Story at the time.
“The loss of life and innocence, and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families and first responders.”
A person who had been stalking Swift and allegedly made threats to her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, was also recently arrested in Germany.
Swift is scheduled to continue the international leg of her Eras Tour until December.
