Current:Home > ScamsCIA: Taylor Swift concert suspects plotted to kill 'tens of thousands’ in Vienna -WealthRoots Academy
CIA: Taylor Swift concert suspects plotted to kill 'tens of thousands’ in Vienna
View
Date:2025-04-13 15:30:50
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! (7)
Related
- NHL in ASL returns, delivering American Sign Language analysis for Deaf community at Winter Classic
- Nikki Haley mostly avoids identity politics as Republican woman running for president in 2024
- Panera Charged Lemonade linked to alleged deaths, lawsuits: Everything that's happened so far
- Judge blocks tighter rule on same-day registration in North Carolina elections
- Pregnant Kylie Kelce Shares Hilarious Question Her Daughter Asked Jason Kelce Amid Rising Fame
- Detroit Lions no longer a cute story. They're now a win away from Super Bowl
- This $329 Kate Spade Crossbody Is on Sale for Just $65 Today Only & It Literally Goes With Any Outfit
- Below Deck Med's Natalya Scudder Makes a Shocking Return to Cause Major Chaos
- Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
- 23 skiers, snowboarders rescued from Vermont backcountry in deadly temperatures
Ranking
- Taylor Swift Eras Archive site launches on singer's 35th birthday. What is it?
- Abortion rights supporters launch campaign for Maryland constitutional amendment
- Heavy rainfall flooded encampment in Texas and prompted evacuation warnings in Southern California
- Looking for a deal on that expensive prescription drug? We've got you covered.
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- The Wilderness Has Chosen These Yellowjackets Gifts for Every Fan
- Burton Wilde: In-depth Explanation of Lane Club on Public Chain, Private Chain, and Consortium Chain.
- Kansas incurred $10 million in legal fees defending NCAA men's basketball infractions case
Recommendation
Warm inflation data keep S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq under wraps before Fed meeting next week
Could Georgia’s Fani Willis be removed from prosecuting Donald Trump?
Billy Joel prepares to 'Turn the Lights Back On' with first new pop song in decades
Michigan school shooter’s mother to stand trial for manslaughter in 4 student deaths
EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
Germany’s parliament pays tribute to Wolfgang Schaeuble with Macron giving a speech at the memorial
Fake Biden robocall encourages voters to skip New Hampshire Democratic primary
Outgoing Dutch PM begins his Bosnia visit at memorial to Srebrenica genocide victims