London heightens security for Swift concerts following recent terror scare
Taylor Swift's upcoming concerts at Wembley Stadium in London will see increased security measures following a recently thwarted terror plot in Vienna, Austria. The pop icon's shows in Vienna were called off after three individuals were apprehended for allegedly planning a terror attack at the concert venue, Ernst Happel Stadium. The suspects, aged 19, 17, and 15, had reportedly planned to drive a vehicle into the crowd outside the stadium and detonate a bomb.
Suspects' actions described as 'concrete preparatory actions'
The 17-year-old suspect was employed by the concert venue's facility management company as part of their alleged preparations for the attack. Frankz Ruf, the General Director for Public Security, described the suspects' actions as "concrete preparatory actions," leading authorities to classify it as a "serious terror plot." The prime suspect, a 19-year-old Austrian national, confessed to planning an attack involving "bladed weapons and the construction of a bomb."
London concerts to proceed with intensified security measures
Despite the Vienna incident, Swift's London concerts will go ahead as scheduled from August 15-20. London officials have deployed private security forces and are implementing stringent security measures to keep potential threats at bay. The local police will also be on high alert during this period. Ben Knott, operation director at FGH Security in England, stated that private security firms' role would be to identify any suspicious individuals in the crowd.
London Mayor assured fans of safe concerts
London Mayor Sadiq Khan assured fans that Swift's concerts would proceed undisturbed. He stated that London has learned from previous tragedies such as the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing during Ariana Grande's concert and has improved its security protocols for public events accordingly. Khan said to Sky News, "I'm sure Vienna has got its own reasons for deciding to cancel the Taylor concerts; we're going to carry on, working closely with police, ensuring that concerts can take place in London safely."
Swift's fans show support despite concert cancellations
Despite the cancellation of the Vienna shows, Swift's fans showed their support by singing her songs and exchanging friendship bracelets. The show organizers, Barracuda Music, confirmed that all tickets would be refunded. However, the rescheduling of the concerts has not been announced. The London Metropolitan Police stated that there is no indication that the matters being investigated by Austrian authorities will impact upcoming events in London.
