Authorities in Austria arrested a 19-year-old IS sympathizer

He allegedly planned a suicide attack targeting Taylor Swift's concert

He was detained early Wednesday morning in Lower Austria

Authorities in Austria have arrested a 19-year-old Islamic State (IS) sympathizer who allegedly planned a suicide attack targeting Taylor Swift’s upcoming concerts in Vienna. The suspect, identified as a radicalized individual who pledged allegiance to IS in recent weeks, was detained early Wednesday morning in Lower Austria.

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The domestic intelligence agency (DSN) revealed that the suspect intended to use explosives and knives to cause maximum casualties during one of Swift’s highly anticipated performances. Omar Haijawi-Pirchner, head of the DSN, stated that the attacker aimed to “kill himself and a large number of people” at the concert.

Police discovered chemical substances and technical devices at the suspect’s residence in Ternitz, which indicated concrete preparatory actions for the attack. Reportedly according to Franz Ruf, Austria’s top security chief, the suspect had stolen these chemicals from a metal processing company where he was previously employed. The chemicals were believed to be intended for bomb construction.

A second individual, a 17-year-old Austrian male, was also apprehended in connection with the plot. Both suspects had radicalized themselves through online channels.

Swift’s Vienna concerts, scheduled for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, are expected to draw over 195,000 attendees. In response to the threat, Vienna police have increased security measures, deploying special units to ensure public safety.

This plot comes nearly four years after a deadly IS attack in Vienna, highlighting ongoing security challenges in the region.