Third suspect arrested in Taylor Swift concert terrorist plot

Austrian authorities on Friday confirmed in a press conference that they arrested a third suspect in connection with the terrorist threats on Ernst Happel Stadium, the Associated Press reported. The suspect was 18 years old and an Iraqi citizen, Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner said in the press conference.

On Thursday, the Austrian Interior Ministry reported that it also arrested a 19-year-old and a 17-year-old in connection with the plot to attack Taylor Swift’s concerts in the city. Three of Swift’s Eras Tour shows were scheduled to take place on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Concert organizers on Wednesday canceled those shows after authorities confirmed the existence of the terrorist plot.

What do we know about the suspects and their plans? The 19-year-old is the primary suspect, according to authorities. Police say they found chemicals and explosive equipment at his residence. He also told police he wanted to kill himself in a suicide attack during either the Thursday or Friday shows, according to the Austrian Interior Ministry. The 19-year-old swore an oath of allegiance to ISIS online, according to a previous statement from the interior ministry. Officials in the press conference on Friday confirmed that the 18-year-old Iraqi citizen had also sworn such an oath. The 17-year-old has not spoken to police, but he was employed by a utility company and would have had access to the event venue during the shows, authorities said.

Dig deeper: Read Lauren Canterberry’s report about how TIME Magazine named Taylor Swift its person of the year for 2023.