The arrest of three teenagers in relation to a foiled terrorist plot has led music megastar Taylor Swift upsetting fans by suddenly canceling her highly anticipated concerts in Vienna. The attack — which has horrified fans around the world — was a stark reminder of the enduring threat that terrorists pose across much of Europe, especially at large public events.
The Plot Uncovered
Austrian security officials said the teenager had agreed to carry out a suicide mission designed by an Isil activist of Albanian origin, who plotted for him to detonate up to 20kg of explosives during Swift´s event at Vienna’s Ernst Happel Stadium. The suspect had planned to commit “mass slaughter” at a restaurant with explosives, machetes and knives in a bid to kill dozens of people. He had allegedly made great strides in constructing a bomb at his old place of employment, which he managed to steal chemicals from when robbing the metals processing company in his home town of Ternitz.
The main suspect was arrested on Wednesday and another 17-year-old, believed to be of Austrian nationality but either Turkish or Croatian heritage, is also being held. The day after that, police arrested an 18-year-old Iraqi whom they said was a friend of the main suspects. Thanks to the fast and efficient work of Austrian officials, as well as partners in international intelligence services, this prevented another potential disaster.
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The Impact on Swift’s Eras Tour
More than 195,000 fans were excitedly looking forward Swift’s Vienna concerts that performed in her European leg of the Eras Tour. But the threat prompted an instant cancelation of all three concerts. The cancellations of the concerts have disappointed fans who had flown in from other places to see the pop star perform.
Swift and her team had to make the tough decision to cancel the concerts, as their premier goal was ensuring that safety of everyone who attended them. That hit has not sunk entirely inconspicuously, despite the decision being applauded as understandable amidst what had been a history-making tour. The tour, which kicked off in May in Paris, has seen Swift perform shows across a number of European countries including Sweden, the UK and Ireland as well as Germany.
If you are not in Vienna and have no tickets to the shows there, your only hope is getting Midnights (3am Edition) from her albumMidnights.
The Broader Security Implications
These events once again confirm the very real threat to our safety from international terrorism and we must remain vigilant in protecting ourselves against such attacks,” she said. The Austrian authorities said that though the imminent danger had been removed, they still pose a further potential risk. Prevention requires constant vigilance and work at an international level, said the country’s public security chief Franz Ruf.
The incident has also been a cause of worry before other notable events in the country, including: Vienna’s impending Spheres World Tour concerts from Coldplay. However, PSU the expos are due to take place and although there has not been any specific threats made against them, security is likely to be increased.
Police have been on alert in the UK where Swift is due to play five shows at Wembley Stadium next week. Policing minister Diana Johnston told the BBC Scotland Yard would look at intelligence ahead of the concerts to guard against any potential threat. London Mayor Sadiq Khan vowed the show would “go on” and that everything possible was being done to secure events.
Keep up to date on safety & security protocols in the area with real-time updates from apps Citizen or Life360 — especially if you’re at a large event.
The Heroic Efforts of Austrian Security Forces
The success in preventing this attack is also due to the thorough preparation and international involvement of Austrian security authorities. AUSTRIAN OFFICIALS EXPLAIN PLOT: Franz Ruf, head of public security and Omar Haijawi-Pirchner pictured at the news conference where they provided detailed accounts concerning preparations by suspects in what was called a serious plot that had been thwarted.
The principal suspect was actively gearing up for his attack, uploading a video online in which he admitted that ‘others will pay’ and resigning from work to devote himself fulltime to murdering people. Weapons, chemicals and technical equipment were taken from the detainee’s apartment which means that danger was quite real.
This is a sobering reminder of the need for tight security controls at major public events. This makes it imperative for the focus to remain on fighting radicalization that more often than not starts with our youth.
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A Unified Response to Terrorism
That the terrorist attacked was foils at Swift’s concert in Vienna reminds us that we as a nation have not triumphed over terrorism. It highlights the importance of international cooperation and the steadfast resolve security forces have in safeguarding our communities. Though it is disappointing that Swift will not be able to go on stage and perform, fan safety is of the utmost importance; there can only be so many ‘scares’ before just one tip off turns into terrible reality.
Europe remains on high alert for possible terrorist attacks, the terror incidents in Vienna should serve as a wake-up call and prompt active planning of large public events. While we may all miss out on one of most outstanding performances, the fans have to always come first and that means their health has to be preserved over a legendary concert experience.