"Killing as many 'unbelievers' as possible as police officer at Taylor Swift concert"
More and more details are emerging regarding the foiled terror attack on Taylor Swift's concert in Vienna.
"I have big plans"
19-year-old Beran A. from Ternitz had resigned on 25 July saying, "I have big plans". Together with his 17-year-old accomplice Luca K., he prepared a gruesome act of terror at the US superstar's concert in the Austrian capital. That accomplice had started working a few days ago at a facilities company that was also called in for the Taylor Swift concerts. A 15-year-old Austrian is also said to have been involved.
The 19-year-old young man is an Austrian with North Macedonian roots and had become increasingly radicalised in recent months. He fell under the spell of terror organisation IS and grew his beard. In a video, the young man also swore allegiance to IS. He exchanged his attack plans with two accomplices via chats. This brought him to the attention of US intelligence, which then contacted the Austrian domestic intelligence agency DSN. That way, the attack could be avoided and the suspects could be caught just before they shot into action.
Disguised as police officer
The teenager had prepared everything meticulously. He wanted to get as close as possible to the concert venue in his car with flashing lights and disguised as a policeman and then explode near Taylor Swift's fans. Indeed, outside the Ernst Happel Stadium, many people without tickets would have been present.
"Killing as many 'unbelievers' as possible"
A search of the house also found anabolic steroids, knives, machetes, alarm guns, counterfeit money and a flashing light. He also had a plan of attack with him.
According to police, 19-year-old main suspect Beran A. has since made full confessions. He shows no remorse. He wanted to "kill as many unbelievers as possible", police reported.
Concerts cancelled
Taylor Swift's three concerts scheduled to take place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday were completely sold out, but have now been cancelled by the concert organiser as a precautionary measure.
(FVDV for Tagtik/Source: oe24/Illustration picture: Photo by Stephen Mease on Unsplash)
