Current:Home > reviewsCIA: Taylor Swift concert suspects plotted to kill 'tens of thousands’ in Vienna -NextGenWealth
CIA: Taylor Swift concert suspects plotted to kill 'tens of thousands’ in Vienna
View
Date:2025-04-23 09:35:32
A CIA deputy said the thwarted terrorist plot at a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna earlier month was intended to kill "tens of thousands" of people.
David Cohen, a CIA deputy director, got candid about the suspected terror plot to target fans of the popstar, during the Intelligence and National Security Summit, held annually in Maryland, according to the Associated Press and The New York Times.
“They were plotting to kill a huge number, tens of thousands of people at this concert, including I am sure many Americans and were quite advanced in this,” Cohen said Wednesday. “The Austrians were able to make those arrests because the agency and our partners in the intelligence community provided them information about what this ISIS-connected group was planning to do.”
Taylor Swift cancels Vienna Eras tourconcerts after two arrested in alleged terror plot
Three people were arrested in relation to the suspected terrorist plot that had been planned for one of Swift's Vienna shows on Aug. 8-10, which were cancelled. The suspects are an 18-year-old Iraqi national, a 19-year-old Austrian living in a town near the Hungarian border and a 17-year-old boy hired by a company that was to provide services to the Ernst Happel Stadium.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer wrote in a social media post that the security situation was very serious, and a tragedy was averted.
"We have no choice but to cancel the three scheduled shows for everyone’s safety," said Barracuda Music, the promoter for the Austrian shows. "All tickets will be automatically refunded within the next 10 business days."
Later, Swift broke her silence in an Aug. 21 Instagram post days after cancelling the shows on the alleged terrorist plot and her fans' safety.
"Having our Vienna shows cancelled was devastating. The reason for the cancellations filled me with a new sense of fear, and a tremendous amount of guilt because so many people had planned on coming to those shows," Swift wrote in the caption. "But I was also so grateful to the authorities because thanks to them, we were grieving concerts and not lives."
She continued: "I was heartened by the love and unity I saw in the fans who banded together. I decided that all of my energy had to go toward helping to protect the nearly half a million people I had coming to see the shows in London. My team and I worked hand in hand with stadium staff and British authorities every day in pursuit of that goal, and I want to thank them for everything they did for us."
Contributing: Bryan West, Taijuan Moorman, KiMi Robinson, Edward Segarra
veryGood! (93628)
Related
- Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
- Indiana basketball legend George McGinnis dies at 73: 'He was like Superman'
- Trevor Noah returns to host 2024 Grammy Awards for 4th year in a row
- Militants attack police office and army post in northwest Pakistan. 2 policemen, 3 attackers killed
- Rylee Arnold Shares a Long
- Jill Biden releases White House Christmas video featuring tap dancers performing The Nutcracker
- Israeli president speaks against 2-state solution ahead of meeting with U.S security chief
- Woman, 3 children found dead in burning Indiana home had been shot, authorities say
- Buckingham Palace staff under investigation for 'bar brawl'
- China defends bounties offered for Hong Kong dissidents abroad
Ranking
- How to watch new prequel series 'Dexter: Original Sin': Premiere date, cast, streaming
- The Excerpt podcast: House Republicans authorize Biden impeachment investigation
- An appeals court will hear arguments over whether Meadows’ Georgia charges can move to federal court
- Where to watch 'Frosty the Snowman' before Christmas: TV, streaming options in 2023
- The 401(k) millionaires club keeps growing. We'll tell you how to join.
- Who is Easton Stick? What to know about the Chargers QB replacing injured Justin Herbert
- Bull on the loose on New Jersey train tracks causes delays between Newark and Manhattan
- Shawn Johnson and Andrew East Want You to Know Their Marriage Isn't a Perfect 10
Recommendation
Tony Hawk drops in on Paris skateboarding and pushes for more styles of sport in LA 2028
Michigan court rejects challenges to Trump’s spot on 2024 primary ballot
Family of woman who died in freezer at Chicago-area hotel agrees to $6 million settlement
Liberals seek ouster from Wisconsin judicial ethics panel of Trump lawyer who advised fake electors
US wholesale inflation accelerated in November in sign that some price pressures remain elevated
Tribes are celebrating a White House deal that could save Northwest salmon
Militants attack police office and army post in northwest Pakistan. 2 policemen, 3 attackers killed
Officer shoots, kills 2 dogs attacking man at Ohio golf course, man also shot: Police