After the cancellation of Swift concerts Huge police force secures superstar Ed Sheeran's performance

One week after the cancellation of three Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna due to the feared threat of terrorism, the next big music spectacle in Austria is under special protection.

The security measures for the four-day "Frequency" festival in St. Pölten have been tightened even without a concrete terror alert, said Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP). The top act on the first day is British singer Ed Sheeran.

Plainclothes officers will also be in the audience. In addition, special forces have been deployed at strategic locations to be able to intervene quickly if necessary, said Karner. Around 50,000 fans are expected to attend the festival every day.

News on the investigation into the Swift concerts

Regarding the investigations into the Swift concerts, Karner explained that five people had now been identified who, from the point of view of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, belonged to the circle of people under surveillance. These people were supposed to be working in the facility and catering areas at the concerts, said the Interior Minister.

Following the terror alert, three young men were arrested, two of whom are suspected of planning an attack on the US star's fans waiting outside the stadium with explosives and knives. A total of 17 cell phones were seized, according to Karner. This means that extensive data material has to be examined.

One recants confession, one remains silent

The main suspect, aged 19, and his 17-year-old alleged accomplice are being investigated for membership of a terrorist organization and criminal organization. The two young men had sworn an oath of allegiance to the Islamic State terrorist militia. According to a lawyer, the 19-year-old has since recanted his original confession. The younger man has so far remained silent.

SDA