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New details have emerged about the foiled terror plot targeting a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna.
According to an AP report, the two suspects have connections to the Islamic State group and al-Qaeda. Austrian investigators found explosive materials and knives at one of the teen suspect’s homes, indicating their intent to carry out the attack during Swift’s sold-out shows, which have now been canceled.
The primary suspect, a 19-year-old Austrian citizen, has been planning the attack since July and recently pledged allegiance to the Islamic State leader. Omar Haijawi-Pirchner, head of the Directorate of State Security and Intelligence, stated that the suspect aimed to kill as many people as possible outside the stadium using knives or explosives. The suspect’s confession revealed a clear radicalization towards Islamic State ideologies.
A second suspect, a 17-year-old Austrian employed by a company servicing the concert venue, was detained near the stadium. The planned attack was set for Thursday or Friday.
To read more about the terrorist plot, check out DML’s Newsletter from this morning.