A Federal Criminal Police report investigates a thwarted terrorist plot against a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna. The 19-year-old suspect, linked to ISIS, allegedly created TATP explosives at home from common chemicals. His lawyer argues findings indicate the explosive would have been weak, akin to a firework. The investigation uncovered various weapons and indications of a planned attack, including a specific date noted in his phone. Authorities continue to pursue charges for terrorism and weapon violations.
A recent report from the Federal Criminal Police Office has shed light on a thwarted plot involving a potential terrorist attack during a Taylor Swift concert scheduled for August 9 at Vienna’s Ernst Happel Stadium. The investigation focused on the chemicals seized from the main suspect, and whether they could be used to create explosive materials. The suspect’s defense attorney, Werner Tomanek, believes the findings clear his client of any serious charges.
The comprehensive 26-page investigation revealed that a 19-year-old resident from Ternitz was capable of producing triacetone triperoxide (TATP), a type of explosive, using common household items. These included sulphuric acid at a concentration of 4.1 to 4.5 percent, acetone-based nail polish remover, and 12 percent hydrogen peroxide. While the quantities discovered were small, the report indicated they could suffice for creating a small explosive device. However, the Federal Criminal Police Office cautioned that exact quantities could not be determined due to the unpredictable reactions during the mixing process.
Tomanek stated that this report supports a private professional assessment he commissioned, which indicated that a recovered bottle contained no more than four grams of TATP. This contrasted sharply with an earlier report that estimated 45 grams. According to Tomanek, this suggests that the substance in question would have produced an effect comparable to that of a firecracker, asserting that his client was “certainly not” in possession of a viable explosive for a terrorist act.
Investigation Findings
The Federal Criminal Police Office also conducted a meticulous search of the suspect’s residence for any trace of explosives, but no residues were detected on various items including gloves, door handles, trash bins, or a black shoulder bag.
The 19-year-old is accused of plotting a suicide attack during one of the Taylor Swift performances as part of the radical Islamist group Islamic State (IS). Authorities believe he intended to inflict maximum harm on the gathered fans, colloquially known as ‘Swifties’, using either a homemade explosive device or various sharp weapons. During a raid on August 7, law enforcement seized multiple electronic detonators, a twelve-channel transmitter, a detonator, a long metal pipe, a combat knife, a machete, and a butterfly knife, alongside the chemicals and TATP solution. The Vienna public prosecutor is currently investigating him for charges related to terrorist activities, criminal organizations, and weapons law violations. A 17-year-old suspected accomplice is also in custody.
Evidence suggests that the 19-year-old was actively researching bomb-making techniques and had openly pledged allegiance to IS online. On July 29, he made an attempt to procure a hand grenade, a Zastava M70 firearm, which is derived from the technology of the AK-47 assault rifle, and a pistol through Telegram but was unsuccessful. Notably, August 9 was marked in his calendar as a significant date, and he had made numerous internet searches related to Swift’s concerts in Vienna.