The CIA recently revealed that suspects involved in a foiled plot to attack a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna had plans to harm “a huge number” of people attending the event.
According to CIA’s deputy director David Cohen, the intelligence provided by the agency to Austrian authorities played a crucial role in disrupting the plot and saving “hundreds of lives.”
Mr. Cohen emphasized that the suspects had advanced plans to carry out the attack during the concert, which was expected to draw tens of thousands of people, including many Americans.
Three male teenage suspects, allegedly linked to the Islamic State group, were apprehended in connection with the thwarted attacks.
Speaking at an intelligence summit in Washington, DC, Mr. Cohen praised the swift action taken by Austrian authorities following the information provided by the CIA and other intelligence partners.
The arrests were made just in time to prevent any harm from coming to concert-goers.
The main suspect, a 19-year-old Austrian citizen, had reportedly pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and specifically targeted the Eras tour for the attack. Authorities stated that his objective was to “kill as many people as possible” during the concert.
Swift, who expressed her devastation over the cancellation of the Vienna shows due to the threat of a terrorist attack, commended the authorities for their quick response.
She stated that while the cancellations were upsetting, she was grateful that lives were saved as a result.
The pop sensation, who recently broke a record for the most solo singer shows at Wembley, is set to continue her Eras tour with a performance in Miami, Florida, on October 18.
