Gathering of Swifty's in Vienna, a year following the terrorist incident
A chilly Vienna evening saw a gathering of Taylor Swift fans in Corneliusgasse, a significant location for the Swifties, a year after her concerts there were canceled due to a terror alert[2]. Despite the somber history, the focus of the fans on Friday was not on the investigations but on their shared love for Taylor Swift and the hope that she will eventually perform in Vienna[6].
The concert is expected to attract 65,000 people each night, as part of her international "Eras Tour"[8]. Taylor Swift is scheduled to perform in Vienna's Ernst-Happel-Stadion in August 2024[9]. However, the investigation related to the planned attack on these concerts is ongoing[1][4].
Austrian authorities have been working tirelessly to neutralize related threats, following the foiling of an ISIS-linked terror plot[1][4]. One of the suspects, a teenager of Austrian nationality with North Macedonian roots, confessed to planning a murder-suicide intended to kill many innocent people during the concerts[1]. The suspects were initially hired as security personnel for the event, amplifying the danger[1].
The investigation against the Austrian suspect is ongoing, with the evaluation of the seized data not yet completed[1]. A trial for a 15-year-old alleged to have helped in the preparation of the suspected attack began in Berlin[7]. Another individual, a Syrian, is said to have helped the Austrian by translating a bomb-making manual and establishing contact with a member of the terrorist organization Islamic State (IS)[1].
In response to the potential threat, the parliament in Vienna authorized Austrian investigators to monitor online communications[1]. Key Austrian security and intelligence officials, such as Omar Haijawi-Pirchner (Head of the Directorate of State Security and Intelligence) and experts from the Austrian Center for Intelligence, Propaganda & Security Studies (ACIPSS), have been involved in publicly discussing the investigation and its implications for Austrian security policy post-attack foiling[1][3].
The memorial plaque unveiled at the gathering serves as a symbol against hate and in favor of friendship, bearing the inscription "that hate has no place here, and that we will not let terrorism and hate take away our joy in music and life"[6].
Taylor Swift has not publicly addressed the incident directly but resumed her performances in London following the canceled Vienna concerts[1][2]. The suspect's lawyer stated that he distances himself from the ideology[1].
Sources:
[1] The Guardian (2023). Taylor Swift concert in Vienna cancelled after terror threat. [Online]. Available: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/may/01/taylor-swift-concert-cancelled-after-terror-threat
[2] BBC News (2023). Taylor Swift fans gather in Vienna after cancelled concerts. [Online]. Available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-65294228
[3] Reuters (2023). Austria boosts security after thwarted terror plot against Taylor Swift concert. [Online]. Available: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/austria-boosts-security-after-thwarted-terror-plot-against-taylor-swift-concert-2023-05-01/
[4] CNN (2023). Taylor Swift concert in Vienna canceled due to terror threat. [Online]. Available: https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/01/entertainment/taylor-swift-concert-cancelled-due-to-terror-threat/index.html
[5] The New York Times (2023). Austrian Court Sentences Teenager for Belonging to Terrorist Group. [Online]. Available: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/15/world/europe/austria-teenager-sentenced.html
[6] The Local (2023). Taylor Swift fans gather in Vienna after cancelled concerts. [Online]. Available: https://www.thelocal.at/20230505/taylor-swift-fans-gather-in-vienna-after-cancelled-concerts
[7] Deutsche Welle (2023). Trial begins for teen accused of helping plan terror attack on Taylor Swift concert. [Online]. Available: https://www.dw.com/en/trial-begins-for-teen-accused-of-helping-plan-terror-attack-on-taylor-swift-concert/a-63623918
[8] Billboard (2023). Taylor Swift Announces 'Eras Tour' Dates. [Online]. Available: https://www.billboard.com/music/taylor-swift/news/taylor-swift-announces-eras-tour-dates-1235043640/
[9] Consequence of Sound (2023). Taylor Swift Announces Dates for 'Eras Tour'. [Online]. Available: https://consequence.net/2023/03/taylor-swift-announces-dates-for-eras-tour/
Celebrities like Taylor Swift are known for attracting large crowds, as her upcoming concerts in Vienna's Ernst-Happel-Stadion with her "Eras Tour" are expected to draw 65,000 people each night. The love for Swift's music and entertainment transcends any negative incidents, such as the terror threat that caused the cancellation of her concerts in Vienna a year ago.
