What we know: Terrorist attack on Taylor Swift concert in Vienna

A planned attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna shocked the public. A 19-year-old was arrested after admitting to planning an attack using explosives and machetes. (We HERE and HERE )

In an initial interview, the 19-year-old admitted that he wanted to use explosives and weapons. According to Omar Haijawi-Pirchner, head of the Directorate for State Security and Intelligence (DSN), the suspect was caught in Ternitz, about an hour from Vienna. The police and special forces searched his apartment and cordoned off the area because they found evidence of explosives.

What we know and why this threat needs to be taken seriously: This is the current state of affairs.

The Federal Ministry of the Interior shows a photo of the suspected supporter of the terrorist militia Islamic State (IS) who was arrested on suspicion of terrorism. © dpa / Roland Schlager/APA/dpa

Planned terrorist attack

• Target of the attack: A 19-year-old Austrian with North Macedonian roots planned a terrorist attack on the Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna. The attack was intended to take place outside the stadium to target numerous people who had gathered there without tickets.
• Methods and Equipment: The suspect intended to drive a car into the crowd and then detonate explosives to cause maximum damage. He planned to use knives, machetes and TATP explosives he had made in his apartment.

Dangerous discoveries: arsenal of weapons in the apartment

Police found materials that can be used to make bombs, including 12 percent hydrogen peroxide, fuse wires, detonators and explosives (TATP), in the suspect's apartment. There were also machetes, blank ammunition, fake money and equipment (police blue lights and an acoustic police horn) to act like an emergency vehicle.

Arrests and police actions

• Raid and finds: During a search of the suspect's apartment in Ternitz, chemical substances, including twelve percent hydrogen peroxide, as well as ignition cables, detonators, functional explosives (TATP), machetes, blank ammunition and counterfeit money were discovered. A follow-up horn and a blue light were also found, indicating planned attempts at deception.
• Arrests: In addition to the 19-year-old main suspect, a 17-year-old with a Turkish-Croatian background and a 15-year-old were questioned. The 17-year-old, who was arrested in Vienna, worked for a company that was supposed to work in the stadium during the concerts, but not directly with security. Both young people were in close contact with the main perpetrator and also appear to have become radicalized.
• New arrest: An 18-year-old suspect was also arrested. He is said to have been privy to the plans and is suspected of being involved in the attack plans. He is being investigated on suspicion of “attempted mass murder”.

The ideology of the perpetrator

The suspect did not have a ticket for the concert. His plan was to strike outside the stadium, where numerous fans would gather to listen to the music. The 19-year-old openly showed his radical views and found the murder of “infidels” justified. According to DSN, he was heavily influenced by IS ideology.

Radicalization and ideology

• Radicalization: The main suspect became radicalized via the Internet, particularly through platforms such as TikTok and Telegram, which are used by extremist “influencer preachers” to exert ideological influence. These platforms distribute content that is specifically aimed at insecure young people.
• Connections to IS: The suspect had sworn allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) and recorded a confessional video that was later deleted. These actions demonstrate his deep ideological connection to extremist groups.

What are Influencer Preachers?

“Influencer preachers” are people who use social media and digital platforms to spread their religious or ideological messages. The term is made up of the words “influencer” and “preacher”. Here are some characteristics that set these people apart:

• Social Media Usage: They use platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Telegram and others to reach a wide audience. They rely on modern means of communication and appealing formats to appeal to young people.
• Target group: They often specifically address insecure or vulnerable teenagers and young adults by using their language and addressing their everyday problems and concerns.
• Message: These “influencer preachers” often spread extremist, radical or fundamentalist views and try to convince their followers of their ideology. They use emotional and manipulative content to captivate people.
• Presentation: Content is often presented in the form of quick-cut, engaging videos specifically designed to capture and hold the audience's attention.
• Influence: Because they are able to reach a large number of followers, they can exert significant influence over the opinions and behavior of their followers. These influencers can therefore play a significant role in radicalization and indoctrination.

The concept of “Influencer Preachers” shows how modern communication techniques can be used to spread extremist ideologies. This development represents a challenge for the prevention of radicalization and requires digital education and awareness measures.

Background information on the main suspect

The 19-year-old Austrian citizen with Macedonian background lived with his parents, who are currently abroad. He quit his job in the metal engineering sector and announced that he had something “big” planned. His appearance changed drastically to match that of ISIS and he prepared intensively for the attack.

The suspect's environment: further arrests

In addition to the main suspect, a 17-year-old with a Turkish-Croatian background and a 15-year-old who was also in contact with the 19-year-old were questioned. The 17-year-old worked for a company that was supposed to operate at the stadium during the concerts. Both were in close contact and appear to have become radicalized via the Internet.

Security situation and measures

• Cancellation of the concerts: The Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna's Ernst Happel Stadium were canceled for security reasons in order to protect the up to 65,000 visitors expected per concert evening. The decision was made as a preventative measure in view of the impending danger.
• Terror warning level: The terror warning level in Austria has been raised to the second highest level. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner pointed out that the threat of terrorist activities in Europe has increased.

Cooperation between security authorities

• Investigations and international cooperation: The successful thwarting of the attack was made possible by close cooperation between national and international security authorities. DSN Director Omar Haijawi-Pirchner emphasized the importance of cooperation with US services.
• Searches and Security: Following the arrests, extensive searches of the stadium were conducted using service dogs to ensure there were no further threats.

Role of social media

• Propaganda and communication: Social media and encrypted communication channels played a central role in the radicalization of the suspects. These platforms allow extremist groups to spread their messages and communicate unnoticed.

Reaction from the public and authorities

• Praise for the security authorities: Interior Minister Karner praised the quick and decisive response of the security authorities, whose work prevented a potential tragedy. He highlighted the need to remain vigilant.
• Reimbursement of tickets: Fans who were looking forward to the concerts were informed of the cancellation. The ticket prices will be automatically refunded within the next ten working days, as the organizer Barracuda Music announced.

Expansion with new information

• Growth of the terrorist cell: The group around the 19-year-old main suspect continues to grow. The arrest of an 18-year-old suspect shows that the cell is larger than initially thought.
• Identity of the main suspect: 19-year-old Beran A. called himself “Mo” in reference to the Prophet Mohammed, which indicates his ideological motivation.

Legal proceedings and pre-trial detention

• Pre-trial detention requested: The two main suspects, 19-year-old Beran A. and his 17-year-old accomplice, were taken to the Wiener Neustadt prison. The public prosecutor's office has requested pre-trial detention for both because they are charged with terrorist organization and criminal organization under the Austrian Criminal Code (§ 278b and § 278a).

Ideological changes and motivation

• Radical changes: The 19-year-old has undergone striking social and ideological changes, highlighted by his resignation and the announcement that he has “big” plans. He changed his appearance to fit in with ISIS.

Social reaction

• Reactions from the population: Despite the fear of terrorism in Vienna, many Swifties gathered in the city to express their disappointment and process the cancellation. Society is determined not to be intimidated by fear.

Safety measures: Concert cancellation

Despite the arrests, organizers decided to cancel the concert. The cancellation was a precautionary measure given the large crowds expected. The safety of visitors was the top priority and the organizers did not want to take any risks.

Concert cancellation and reaction from fans

• Concert cancellation: Taylor Swift's planned concerts at Vienna's Ernst Happel Stadium were canceled after a planned terrorist attack was thwarted.
• Fan reactions: Many fans who had already traveled to Vienna for the concerts were disappointed and sad about the cancellation. Some of them organized spontaneous “Swiftie concerts” in public places where they sang Taylor Swift’s hits.

Taylor Swift's reaction

• Emotional toll: Taylor Swift is “devastated” by the cancellation of the concerts, especially for fans who have been waiting for these performances for years. The memories of past terrorist attacks at concerts place additional strain on her. ( Source: Mirror )
• Future plans: An insider reports that Swift is determined to return to Vienna as soon as possible to make up for the canceled concerts.

A source told the Mirror:

“Taylor is devastated by this situation. She is devastated because of the fans who have been waiting to see her for years. But the thought of what could have happened if the concerts had been affected by a terrorist attack is horrifying and she would never risk the safety of her fans. The memory of what happened at Ariana Grande's concert in Manchester is still very present in everyone's minds. But she has told her team that she wants to return to Vienna as soon as possible. She is very aware of how disappointed her fans in Austria are.”

Uncertain plans and preparations

• What to do next: Although there are no official announcements about catch-up dates yet, fans are waiting impatiently for a direct sign of life from Swift.
• Current tour: Swift may have left Vienna for London, where she has planned further concerts as part of her “Eras Tour” next week.

Security aspects

• Past attacks: Memories of terrorist attacks at concerts, such as the attack on Ariana Grande's concert in Manchester in 2017, highlight the need for comprehensive security precautions.
• Future security measures: The incidents in Vienna highlight the urgency to review and adapt security measures to ensure safety at future events.

questions and answers

1. How could a 19-year-old obtain such dangerous materials?
   It is alarming how easy it was for a young person to gain access to chemical substances and weapons. In today's digital world, instructions and trading of such materials are often just a click away. The suspect used freely available chemicals to create explosives. This fact highlights the urgent need for stricter controls and regulations on access to hazardous materials.
2. Why wasn't the danger recognized earlier?
   Although police acted quickly following information from a foreign intelligence agency, this case shows how difficult it is to monitor radicalized individuals. Radical networks often operate in secret and their members exchange ideas in closed online groups. This requires closer international cooperation and the use of modern technologies to identify threats at an early stage.
3. What role does the Internet play in the radicalization of young people?
   The Internet offers extremist groups a platform to reach and radicalize young people. Platforms like TikTok and Telegram are full of extremist content that specifically targets unsettled youth. These “influencer preachers” use social media to spread their ideologies. This highlights the need to strengthen digital education and educate young people about the dangers of the Internet.
4. What can parents do to prevent their children from becoming radicalized?
   Parents play a crucial role in preventing radicalization. It is important to pay attention to changes in your children's behavior and take them seriously. Open communication about their online activities and the content they consume is essential. Parents should encourage their children to think critically and question information. If extremist activities are suspected, it is advisable to seek professional help.
5. What are the next steps to prevent such incidents in the future?
   To prevent similar incidents in the future, a comprehensive strategy is required. This includes strengthening international cooperation between intelligence agencies and law enforcement agencies, expanding de-radicalization programs and prevention initiatives, and raising awareness of extremism in schools and communities. It is also important to understand the role of the Internet as a platform for radicalization and to take measures to block and remove extremist content.

Conclusion: The urgency of a collective response

This incident highlights the urgency of countering the radicalization of young people. The threat of extremism is real and requires concerted efforts at all levels of society. It is our responsibility to offer young people alternatives and protect them from the pull of extremist ideologies.