Current:Home > reviewsCIA: Taylor Swift concert suspects plotted to kill 'tens of thousands’ in Vienna -Edge Finance Strategies
CIA: Taylor Swift concert suspects plotted to kill 'tens of thousands’ in Vienna
View
Date:2025-04-17 14:13:43
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! (6159)
Related
- DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints
- US wildlife managers have no immediate plans to capture wandering Mexican gray wolf
- Bengals believe QB Joe Burrow sprained his wrist in loss to Ravens
- Amazon shoppers in 2024 will be able to buy a Hyundai directly from the retailer's site
- Residents worried after ceiling cracks appear following reroofing works at Jalan Tenaga HDB blocks
- K-Pop star Rose joins first lady Jill Biden to talk mental health
- Ruling by Senegal’s highest court blocks jailed opposition leader Sonko from running for president
- New Jersey casino, internet, sport bet revenue up 6.6% in October but most casinos trail 2019 levels
- 2025 'Doomsday Clock': This is how close we are to self
- The Best Early Black Friday Toy Deals of 2023 at Amazon, Target, Walmart & More
Ranking
- What were Tom Selleck's juicy final 'Blue Bloods' words in Reagan family
- Police board votes to fire Chicago officer accused of dragging woman by the hair during 2020 unrest
- Love golden retrievers? Your heaven on Earth exists and it's in Vermont
- Judge finds Voting Rights Act violation in North Dakota redistricting for two tribes
- Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
- Police board votes to fire Chicago officer accused of dragging woman by the hair during 2020 unrest
- Amazon lays off hundreds in its Alexa division as it plows resources into AI
- Runner banned for 12 months after she admitted to using a car to finish ultramarathon
Recommendation
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
Rosalynn Carter, 96-year-old former first lady, is in hospice care at home, Carter Center says
Coin flip decides mayor of North Carolina city after tie between two candidates
Rapper Sean Diddy Combs accused of rape, abuse by ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in lawsuit
Mets have visions of grandeur, and a dynasty, with Juan Soto as major catalyst
'That's a first': Drone sightings caused two delays during Bengals-Ravens game
Lobsterman jumps from boat to help rescue driver from stolen car sinking in bay
Nation's top auto safety regulator misses deadline on potentially life-saving new rules for vehicle seats