Authorities Announce New Arrest in Thwarted Terror Attack on Taylor Swift Concert as Fans Unite in Vienna

A third arrest was made in connection to the terrorist threat against a series of Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna, Austria, authorities said.

The new suspect, an unnamed 18-year-old Iraqi national, was not directly connected to the foiled attacks, according to Austria’s interior ministry. However, he was arrested as part of the “broad scope” of the investigation into ISIS-inspired terrorist threats.

Swift was scheduled to hold three concerts in Vienna as part of her Eras Tour, but the entire run was abruptly canceled on Wednesday, a day before the first concert was meant to take place. Two other teenagers were arrested that day, including a 19-year-old said to be the mastermind of the operation and a 17-year-old accomplice. A 15-year-old suspect was questioned and later released. The teens were suspected to have been radicalized online and taken “oaths of allegiance” to ISIS.

CNN reported more about the nature of the arrests:

The 19-year-old suspect quit his job on July 25, saying he had “something big planned” and that he planned to detonate a device within the concert venue, Franz Ruf , Austria’s director general for public security, said Thursday.

Explosive devices and detonators were found at the home of the 19-year-old, as well as extensive ISIS propaganda material, 21,000 euros in counterfeit money, machetes, knives and anabolic steroids, Ruf said. The 17-year-old had recently broken up with his girlfriend.

CNN’s Salma Abdelaziz reported from the scene of a massive gathering of Swift fans:

Everyone here will tell you, and many of them are young girls, is yes, we are so grateful to be out of the crosshairs of potential violence, but we need to create a safe space to come together and celebrate. And that’s exactly what you’re looking at here. A safe space for these youngsters really to come together and have that celebration they weren’t able to have.

Watch the video above via CNN.