After Action Report:
•As part of Taylor Swift’s ongoing international “Eras Tour”, three performances in Vienna, Austria from 08 -10 August, were canceled after government officials confirmed an alleged ISIS-linked terrorist plot to attack the Ernst Happel Stadium, the venue for the concert.
•Three Austrian teenagers, at least one of which pledged allegiance to ISIS-K via Telegram, were detained over the planned attack.
•Machetes, technical devices, and chemical substances were confiscated from the suspects’ houses and are currently being evaluated.
•Local law enforcement officials have pledged to increase security measures and deploy both uniformed and undercover police officers, increase video surveillance, canine details, and special law enforcement units.
•Large public assembly locations and high-profile events will always be alluring targets for terrorist organizations and self-radicalized extremists.
•Members of the entertainment industry or organizations affiliated with performance venues or other large public gathering and assembly locations should consider consulting RMS International’s intelligence and security professionals for a customized, tailored threat assessment.
Incident Overview and After-Action Report:
As part of Taylor Swift’s ongoing international “Eras Tour”, three performances in Viena, Austria from 08 -10 August, were canceled after government officials confirmed an alleged terrorist plot to attack the Ernst Happel Stadium, the venue for the concert. An offshoot of the group formerly known as the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is believed to be the inspiration for the foiled attack. Austrian officials received information regarding the suspects and the credible threats from the United States (US) intelligence community. Austrian authorities conducted a targeted raid and arrested the main 19-year-old suspect in Ternitz, a suburb south of Vienna. Two other individuals, aged 17 and 15, were arrested in the Austrian capital city. Machetes, technical devices, and chemical substances were confiscated from the main suspect’s house and are currently being evaluated; unconfirmed sources close to the matter revealed law enforcement found chemical substances, but not all of the components necessary to build a functional improvised explosive device (IED). The main suspect was planning to attack the estimated 20,000 Taylor Swift fans expected to gather outside the performance venue’s main doors; however, another suspect had recently obtained a job with a company who provides services to the Ernst Happel Stadium and confessed to “big plans” targeting the sold-out 65,000 audience.
At least one of the suspects pledged allegiance to the Islamic State’s Khorasan Province or ISIS-K, a resurgent wing of ISIS, on Telegram in June. The main suspect is believed to have been self-radicalized, consuming and distributing Islamist propaganda online. At this time, the attack targeting the Taylor Swift is believed to be ISIS-inspired and planned by the individuals in custody and was not directed by ISIS-K’s leadership.
Despite arresting the three main suspects, the concerts were canceled out of an abundance of caution as investigators work to determine if there are other possible co-conspirators involved in the plot. Local law enforcement officials have pledged to increase security measures and deploy both uniformed and undercover police officers, increase video surveillance, canine details, and special law enforcement units.
Impact Analysis:
After establishing a “caliphate” in about 2013, ISIS was largely destroyed by a US-led coalition. The militant group experienced a series of strategic and military setbacks before Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, ISIS’ leader and self-proclaimed caliph was killed in the US-led Operation Kayla Mueller. Remnants of ISIS have since fled the once occupied lands of Iraq and Syria and have regrouped in under governed and unstable countries in South Central Asia, the largest of such groups being ISIS-K. The group has managed to launch major attacks while attempting to rebuild and reestablish itself as a global terrorist organization. The foiled-attack on the Taylor Swift concert in Vienna isn’t the first time ISIS affiliates have been tied to attacks in Europe — over 140 people were killed in an ISIS-K launched attack on a Moscow concert hall earlier this year, and an ISIS attack at an Ariana Grande concert in 2017 killed 22 and injured more than a thousand.
Large public assembly locations and high-profile events will always be alluring targets for terrorist organizations and self-radicalized extremists. While large-scale attacks are less likely due to the increased security posture surrounding public assembly locations, including entertainment venues, in the post-September 11th world, there is still a potential for individually launched or small-scale group operations, such as the thwarted attack in Vienna. A smaller network or individual can utilize low-tech tactics and equipment for any potential attacks.
Recommended Course of Action:
Members of the entertainment industry or organizations affiliated with performance venues or other large public gathering and assembly locations should consider consulting RMS International’s intelligence and security professionals for a customized, tailored threat assessment. To find out how to mitigate the risks associated with well-attended performances, consider contacting RMS International’s security professionals at ask@rmsiusa.com to develop a customized and resilient protection plan to protect yourself, as well as your organization, assets, personnel, operations and reputation.
About RMS International:
Founded in 2013, RMS International provides ad hoc and contracted close protection, estate security, international travel management, corporate executive protection, personnel and asset security, and discreet investigative services. Operating a state-of-the-art Risk Operations Center in West Palm Beach, they provide 24/7 overwatch of global operations in Asia, Europe, Africa and throughout the Americas. RMS International delivers peace of mind in a chaotic world. Connect with us at RMSIUSA.com.
