An alleged terror plot targeting Taylor Swift's concert was intended to result in the deaths of 'tens of thousands of people': CIA official.
The alleged foiled terrorist plot led to the cancellation of Taylor Swift's Vienna shows earlier this month.
The intended terrorist plot at Taylor Swift's shows in Vienna aimed to kill a large number of people, including Americans, as confirmed by the deputy director of the CIA.
At the Intelligence and National Security Summit, as shown in a CSPAN video, David S. Cohen disclosed that the CIA received the information used by Austrian authorities to prevent the terror plot.
"Cohen stated that the group planned to kill tens of thousands of people at the concert, and he believes many Americans were involved. The Austrians were able to make arrests due to information provided by the agency and intelligence community partners about the ISIS-connected group's plans."
Planet Chronicle Digital did not receive an immediate response from Swift's representative when requesting a comment.
In August, Swift canceled three Austria shows at Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna due to a planned bomb.
On Aug. 7, two males, aged 17 and 19, were arrested for planning terror attacks on Swift's Vienna shows, scheduled for Aug. 8-10 at Ernst Happel Stadium. An 18-year-old male was arrested on Aug. 8.
"They were plotting to kill a huge number, tens of thousands of people at this concert, I am sure many Americans." — - David S. Cohen
A 15-year-old boy has been interrogated by the police but has not been identified as a suspect.
In a post on social media days after her Vienna shows were expected to occur, Swift described the cancelations as "devastating."
"In a social media post, Swift described walking onstage in London as a rollercoaster of emotions. The cancellation of Vienna shows left her feeling devastated, and the reason for the cancellations filled her with a new sense of fear. However, she was also grateful to the authorities for allowing them to grieve concerts instead of lives."
She was heartened by the love and unity among the fans who banded together. She decided to dedicate all her energy to protecting the nearly half a million people coming to see the shows in London. She and her team worked closely with stadium staff and British authorities every day to achieve this goal. She wants to thank them for their efforts. She is not going to speak publicly about anything that might provoke those who would harm the fans who attend her shows.
Swift had been quiet about the cancellations, but she felt it was important to safeguard herself and her fans.
"In such situations, remaining silent is a form of self-control and patience, as it allows you to speak up when the time is right. My top priority was ensuring the safety of our European tour, and I am thrilled to report that we have achieved that goal," the "Cruel Summer" singer stated.
Up to 65,000 fans were expected at each concert in Austria, with an additional 30,000 spectators outside, where authorities claimed the suspects planned to attack.
One of the suspects admitted to wanting to "maximally murder individuals outside the concert hall."
At least one of the teens' homes contained bomb-making materials, including bomb-making manuals, homemade explosives, detonators, and hydrogen peroxide, as reported by NBC.
Authorities found ISIS and al Qaeda materials at the home of the 17-year-old.
The suspects' names have not been made public due to Austrian privacy laws.
Planet Chronicle Digital's Elizabeth Stanton contributed to this report.
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