By PHILIPP-MORITZ JENNE and STEFANIE DAZIO Associated Press
Austrian authorities have announced a third arrest in connection with the foiled conspiracy to attack three now-canceled Taylor Swift concerts even as disappointed fans charmed Vienna by trading friendship bracelets and singing the pop star's songs in the streets. The main suspect planned to target onlookers gathered outside Ernst Happel Stadium with knives or homemade explosives during the concert on Thursday or Friday. Authorities say the scheme was inspired by the Islamic State group and al-Qaida. Swift is set to travel to London's Wembley stadium for five concerts between Aug. 15 and 20 to close the European leg of her record-setting Eras Tour.
By PHILIPP-MORITZ JENNE, STEFANIE DAZIO and KIRSTEN GRIESHABER Associated Press
Austrian authorities say both suspects in a foiled plot to attack Taylor Swift shows in Vienna appeared to be inspired by the Islamic State group and al-Qaida. They said Thursday that investigators found bomb-making materials at one of their homes. Officials said one of the two confessed to planning to "kill as many people as possible outside the concert venue." Three sold-out concerts were canceled a day earlier because of the plot, devastating Swifties from across the globe, many of whom had dropped thousands of euros (dollars) on travel and lodging to attend the Eras Tour shows.
Taylor Swift fans enjoy parsing the singer-songwriter's lyrics for references to her romantic life and insights into her state of her mind. But Swifties in the U.K. didn't have to listen closely to her latest album to get the sense that Swift had soured on the country's capital after making it her second home. The record's fifth track is titled "So Long, London." As Swift brings her Eras Tour to the city on Friday, some fans wonder if it's the beginning of an extended goodbye. London is the only city on the tour where Swift is stopping twice. She is scheduled to return for six nights in August to close the tour's European leg.
