Third arrested in connection with planned attack on Taylor Swift show in Vienna

VIENNA: A third suspect has been detained in connection with a plan to attack Taylor Swift’s now-cancelled concerts in Vienna, according to Austrian authorities. On Friday, Interior Minister Gerhard Karner said an 18-year-old man was detained in the Austrian capital on Thursday evening because he was allegedly in contact with the main suspect. The 19-year-old main suspect and a 17-year-old were arrested on Tuesday, while a 15-year-old was also questioned but not arrested. Three sold-out concerts, part of the US singer-songwriter’s Eras Tour, were cancelled on Wednesday due to a security threat.

The plot appears to be inspired by the ISIL (ISIS) group and al-Qaeda, authorities said. Karner said the third suspect was “in contact with the main perpetrator, but is not directly linked to the attack plans.” “But, as it turned out a few days ago, he specifically swore allegiance to IS [ISIL or ISIS] on 6 August.” UN spokeswoman Alessandra Vellucci said Friday that the radicalisation reports once again highlighted the dangers posed by social media. “This is certainly a good demonstration that the radicalisation of people through the use of social media is really a concern,” Vellucci said. Director General of Public Security Franz Ruf said Thursday that police found knives, explosives, timers and chemicals for making explosives, and ISIL propaganda material at the main suspect’s home, where he lived with his parents. Security officials said one suspect had allegedly confessed to planning to “kill as many people as possible outside the concert venue.”