According to investigators, the suspect suspected of organizing a terrorist attack at Taylor Swift’s Vienna performances planned to murder “as many people as possible” outside the stadium.
According to a press release issued on Thursday by the Vienna Federal Ministry of the Interior, the 19-year-old Austrian arrested on Wednesday in connection with the foiled plot targeting a Swift concert at Ernst Happel Stadium had planned an attack on fans using “bladed weapons as well as the construction of a bomb.”
During the search of the suspect’s residence, investigators discovered “chemical substances, liquids, explosives, and technical devices that could be used to manufacture explosives,” according to Franz Ruf, director general of public security. Bomb manufacturing instructions and machetes were also discovered.
“He wanted to carry out an attack in the area outside the stadium, killing as many people as possible using the knives or even the explosive devices he had made,” according to national intelligence chief Omar Haijawi-Pirchner.
The suspect in the purported Taylor Swift concert plan vowed loyalty to ISIS, according to authorities.
The suspect, who had just resigned his job and claimed to have “big plans,” vowed allegiance to ISIS and fully admitted to the allegations against him, according to authorities.
Police also detained a 17-year-old employee of a facilities management business who was scheduled to work during Swift’s event, according to authorities. Police also arrested and questioned a 15-year-old. Officials are not looking for any other suspects.
Taylor Swift’s London performances are unaffected by Vienna cancellations, British police say.
“There is currently no information that other concerts are subject to an explicit threat,” she added.
British police said they did not anticipate the planned assault in Vienna would have an impact on Swift’s scheduled London concerts.
USA TODAY has reached out to Swift’s agents for comment. The singer has yet to speak publicly about the matter.
Taylor Swift’s terror plan tied to ISIS: Are they still a threat?
Swift canceled three Eras Tour gigs in Vienna on Wednesday, after the announcement of the intended terrorist assault. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner said Thursday that the situation “was serious and remains serious,” but that a “tragedy was averted.”
Two people have been detained in connection with a potential terrorist plot targeting Taylor Swift’s forthcoming performances.
Taylor Swift’s Vienna concert tickets will be automatically reimbursed.
“We have no choice but to cancel the three scheduled shows for everyone’s safety,” Barracuda Music, the Austrian show producer, said. “All tickets will be automatically refunded within the next 10 business days.”
Ruf earlier said that investigations revealed “preparatory actions” by the 19-year-old suspect, who “had a particular focus on the Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna.”