(DailyEmailNews.com) – It seems that the superstar pop singer’s fans have gone through a difficult time, as a third teenager has been arrested in connection with a thwarted “bloodbath” terror plot aimed at a Taylor Swift concert in Austria.
According to Austrian security officials, the arrest came just days after the 18-year-old Iraqi national pledged allegiance to ISIS.
Interior Minister Gerhard Karner said the teenager was caught in Vienna after authorities discovered he had been in touch with the alleged ringleader of the plot.
“He had been in contact with the main perpetrator, but is not directly connected to the attack plans,” Karner explained at a news conference. “But, as was found out a few days ago, he took an oath of allegiance specifically to the IS on Aug. 6,” referring to the Islamic State, also known as ISIS.
This latest arrest follows the detention of a 19-year-old Austrian of North Macedonian descent and a 17-year-old Austrian with Turkish and Croatian roots. They were arrested late Tuesday over the plot to attack one of Swift’s three concerts at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna.
Moreover, authorities have revealed that the plot, which led to the cancellation of Swift’s concerts in Vienna, seemed to be inspired by ISIS. Both the main suspect and the 18-year-old arrested on Friday had recently pledged oaths to ISIS.
The 19-year-old suspect is believed to have been radicalized by a Berlin-based extremist preacher, Abul Baraa, known on social media. Extensive ISIS and al Qaeda material was also found during a raid at the 17-year-old suspect’s home.
In addition, investigators are currently examining the suspects’ networks and analyzing physical and electronic evidence. A 15-year-old boy who was interrogated has since been released and is now considered a witness.
The main suspect admitted to planning a suicide attack to “kill as many people as possible” using homemade explosives and knives. Bomb-making materials and at least one explosive device in progress were found at his home.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer stated, “The suspects actually had very specific and detailed plans … to leave a bloodbath in their wake.”
Due to the events, Nehammer defended the decision to cancel the concerts, saying it was necessary for safety. “I understand very well that those who wanted to experience the concert live are very sad,” he said. “But it’s also important that in such serious moments as now, it’s inevitable that safety comes first.”
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