The cancellation of Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna due to suspected terrorist threats has consequences. An Austrian festival where star Ed Sheeran is performing today is also receiving a lot of police protection.
One week after the cancellation of three Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna due to fears of a terrorist threat, the next big music spectacle in Austria is under special protection. Security measures have been increased for the four-day “Frequency” festival in St. Pölten, even without a specific terror alert, said Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP). The top act on the first day is British singer Ed Sheeran.
There will also be plainclothes officers in the audience. In addition, special forces will be deployed at strategic positions so that they can intervene quickly if necessary, said Karner. Around 50,000 fans are expected to attend the festival every day.
News on investigations into the Swift concerts case
Regarding the investigations into the Swift concerts, Karner explained that five people had now been identified who, from the point of view of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, were part of the circle of observed threats. These people were supposed to be working in the facility and catering areas at the concerts, said the Interior Minister.
After the terror alert, three young men were arrested, two of whom are suspected of planning an attack on the US star’s fans waiting outside the stadium using explosives and knives. A total of 17 mobile phones were confiscated, said Karner. This means that extensive data material needs to be examined.
One retracts confession, one remains silent
The main suspect, aged 19, and his 17-year-old alleged accomplice are being investigated for membership in a terrorist group and criminal organization. The two young men had sworn allegiance to the terrorist militia Islamic State. According to a lawyer, the 19-year-old has since retracted his original confession. The younger man has so far remained silent.
Source: Stern
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