CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) Deputy Director David Cohen said that the suspects behind the thwarted plot to attack Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concerts in the Austrian capital city of Vienna&nbsp;wanted to kill "tens of thousands" of the American singer's fans.&nbsp;

Speaking at a security conference in the US state of Maryland on Wednesday (August 28), Cohen revealed that intelligence provided by the CIA to Austrian authorities played a crucial role in stopping the attack earlier this month.

“They were plotting to kill a huge number, tens of thousands of people at this concert, I am sure many Americans,” Cohen said. He also credited the arrests to the cooperation between the CIA, its partners, and Austrian authorities, adding, "The Austrians were able to make those arrests because the agency and our partners in the intelligence community provided them information about what this ISIS-connected group was planning to do."

Three teenagers&nbsp;were arrested in connection with the failed attack, which was allegedly inspired by the Islamic State group. However,&nbsp;Cohen did not disclose how the CIA became aware of the plot.&nbsp;

"I can tell you within my agency, and I'm sure in others, there were people who thought that was a really good day for Langley (referring to the location of the CIA headquarters in Virginia). And not just the Swifties in my workforce," he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-releases-first-pics-of-weapon-thomas-crooks-used-to-shoot-donald-trump-754150">Revealed: FBI releases first pics of weapon Thomas Crooks used to shoot Trump</a>

Approximately 200,000 people were expected to attend one of Swift's three concerts in Vienna, which were part of the European leg of her Eras tour. The concerts, scheduled to begin on August 8, were cancelled by Barracuda Music, the event organisers, after being informed of the foiled plot by Austrian authorities.

The main suspect, a 19-year-old Austrian citizen, had reportedly pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and specifically targeted the Eras tour in hopes of “killing as many people as possible,” according to authorities.

Taylor Swift publicly addressed the planned attack for the first time last week. She expressed her devastation over the cancelled shows on Instagram, writing, "The reason for the cancellations filled me with a new sense of fear, and a tremendous amount of guilt because so many people had planned on coming to those shows. But I was also so grateful to the authorities because thanks to them, we were grieving concerts and not lives."

(With inputs from agencies)

CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) Deputy Director David Cohen said that the suspects behind the thwarted plot to attack Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concerts in the Austrian capital city of Vienna wanted to kill "tens of thousands" of the American singer's fans.

CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) Deputy Director David Cohen said that the suspects behind the thwarted plot to attack Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concerts in the Austrian capital city of Vienna wanted to kill "tens of thousands" of the American singer's fans. Speaking at a security conference in the US state of Maryland on Wednesday (August 28), Cohen revealed that intelligence provided by the CIA to Austrian authorities played a crucial role in stopping the attack earlier this month. “They were plotting to kill a huge number, tens of thousands of people at this concert, I am sure many Americans,” Cohen said. He also credited the arrests to the cooperation between the CIA, its partners, and Austrian authorities, adding, "The Austrians were able to make those arrests because the agency and our partners in the intelligence community provided them information about what this ISIS-connected group was planning to do." Three teenagers were arrested in connection with the failed attack, which was allegedly inspired by the Islamic State group. However, Cohen did not disclose how the CIA became aware of the plot. "I can tell you within my agency, and I'm sure in others, there were people who thought that was a really good day for Langley (referring to the location of the CIA headquarters in Virginia). And not just the Swifties in my workforce," he said. Also read: Revealed: FBI releases first pics of weapon Thomas Crooks used to shoot Trump Approximately 200,000 people were expected to attend one of Swift's three concerts in Vienna, which were part of the European leg of her Eras tour. The concerts, scheduled to begin on August 8, were cancelled by Barracuda Music, the event organisers, after being informed of the foiled plot by Austrian authorities. The main suspect, a 19-year-old Austrian citizen, had reportedly pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and specifically targeted the Eras tour in hopes of “killing as many people as possible,” according to authorities. Taylor Swift publicly addressed the planned attack for the first time last week. She expressed her devastation over the cancelled shows on Instagram, writing, "The reason for the cancellations filled me with a new sense of fear, and a tremendous amount of guilt because so many people had planned on coming to those shows. But I was also so grateful to the authorities because thanks to them, we were grieving concerts and not lives." (With inputs from agencies)

Suspects behind failed Taylor Swift Vienna concert attack wanted to kill 'tens of thousands'

Taylor Swift kicked off the first of five sell-out London shows on Thursday, taking to the stage a week after concerts in Vienna were cancelled due to a foiled suicide attack plot.

The American star's return to Wembley Stadium, where she performed for three nights in June, marks the end of the European leg of her record-breaking "Eras" tour.

In addition to events in Vienna, the concert comes just over two weeks after three girls were killed in a mass stabbing at a dance class themed around her music in northwest England.&nbsp;

The 34-year-old appeared on the Wembley stage for her hit song "22" wearing a T-shirt bearing the words "a lot going on at the moment" -- a fashion statement interpreted as a reference to both incidents.

Three alleged Islamic State group sympathisers have been detained in Austria over a plan to launch an attack using explosives and knives on the Swift concerts.

London police said there was "nothing to indicate" any links between the Vienna events and Swift's gigs in the UK capital in front of 90,000 fans.&nbsp;

But it was working "closely with venue security teams and other partners to ensure there are appropriate security and policing plans in place".

- 'Worries' - 
 
Extra security, including additional ticket checks, hundreds of stewards and extra restrictions, did not dampen the spirits of so-called "Swifties" out in force Thursday.

"It doesn't feel real, that it's actually happening!" Katie Moulson, 24, told AFP as she arrived at Wembley

Fans were decked out in glittery skirts, tasselled jackets, cowboy hats and stacks of friendship bracelets as they descended on northwest London.

"After Vienna, it's good to hear that they've upped the security," student Brodie MacArthur, 23, told AFP, as she arrived wearing a long white dress inspired by Swift's latest album, "The Tortured Poets Department".

"In the back of your head, there's still worries. But there are a lot of people here to keep it safe," she added.&nbsp;

Following the UK knife attack, Swift said she was "completely in shock" and at a "complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families" impacted.

The BBC reported Thursday that she has privately reached out to them.

Meanwhile, her fans launched a fundraiser for the victims, which raised nearly £400,000 ($514,000) under the banner "Swifties for Southport".

The tragedy "made you realise how much Swifties need each other", MacArthur noted. "Because obviously there's been such horrible events, that just brought us all together more."

Swift has not yet commented on the plot on the Vienna shows.

"I think she's just ready to come back and perform," said Lauren Thies, 19, who has attended five previous Swift concerts with her mother, Denise.

"She loves performing for her fans," the teenager added.

- 'Anticipation' - 
 
The US star did not disappoint, bringing out Ed Sheeran as a surprise guest to the delight of the capacity crowd.

The pair performed several hits, including two Swift tracks they collaborated on and Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud" as a surprise song.

Fans from around the world had travelled to Wembley, where Swift is performing more "Eras" tour shows than anywhere else.&nbsp;

"I was worried, because this is the first concert after that (Vienna). So I was afraid to look at my phone and see something," said Denise, who flew in with Lauren from US state New Jersey.

"I was really nervous, I thought for sure she would consider cancelling her shows here," said Juan Ramirez, 28, another American who took an 11-hour flight from California for the event.&nbsp;

"It's been an agonising anticipation of the concert. But we're finally here and I love it," Ramirez added, dressed in a pink outfit, including a bandanna and heart-shaped sunglasses.

Ahead of the performance, fans sang Swift's songs and exchanged bracelets with each other, a tradition among Swifties during the tour.

Moulson, from Suffolk in eastern England, and wearing DIY sparkly purple boots and a tinsel-lined jacket, doled out bracelets to some of the security guards. &nbsp;

Both Moulson and Denise have a bucket list of London spots mentioned in Swift's songs they will visit after the concert, including the Black Dog pub in Vauxhall, south London, namechecked in her latest album.

Taylor Swift kicked off the first of five sell-out London shows on Thursday, taking to the stage a week after concerts in Vienna were cancelled due to a foiled suicide attack plot.

Taylor Swift kicked off the first of five sell-out London shows on Thursday, taking to the stage a week after concerts in Vienna were cancelled due to a foiled suicide attack plot. The American star's return to Wembley Stadium, where she performed for three nights in June, marks the end of the European leg of her record-breaking "Eras" tour. In addition to events in Vienna, the concert comes just over two weeks after three girls were killed in a mass stabbing at a dance class themed around her music in northwest England. The 34-year-old appeared on the Wembley stage for her hit song "22" wearing a T-shirt bearing the words "a lot going on at the moment" -- a fashion statement interpreted as a reference to both incidents. Three alleged Islamic State group sympathisers have been detained in Austria over a plan to launch an attack using explosives and knives on the Swift concerts. London police said there was "nothing to indicate" any links between the Vienna events and Swift's gigs in the UK capital in front of 90,000 fans. But it was working "closely with venue security teams and other partners to ensure there are appropriate security and policing plans in place". - 'Worries' - Extra security, including additional ticket checks, hundreds of stewards and extra restrictions, did not dampen the spirits of so-called "Swifties" out in force Thursday. "It doesn't feel real, that it's actually happening!" Katie Moulson, 24, told AFP as she arrived at Wembley Fans were decked out in glittery skirts, tasselled jackets, cowboy hats and stacks of friendship bracelets as they descended on northwest London. "After Vienna, it's good to hear that they've upped the security," student Brodie MacArthur, 23, told AFP, as she arrived wearing a long white dress inspired by Swift's latest album, "The Tortured Poets Department". "In the back of your head, there's still worries. But there are a lot of people here to keep it safe," she added. Following the UK knife attack, Swift said she was "completely in shock" and at a "complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families" impacted. The BBC reported Thursday that she has privately reached out to them. Meanwhile, her fans launched a fundraiser for the victims, which raised nearly £400,000 ($514,000) under the banner "Swifties for Southport". The tragedy "made you realise how much Swifties need each other", MacArthur noted. "Because obviously there's been such horrible events, that just brought us all together more." Swift has not yet commented on the plot on the Vienna shows. "I think she's just ready to come back and perform," said Lauren Thies, 19, who has attended five previous Swift concerts with her mother, Denise. "She loves performing for her fans," the teenager added. - 'Anticipation' - The US star did not disappoint, bringing out Ed Sheeran as a surprise guest to the delight of the capacity crowd. The pair performed several hits, including two Swift tracks they collaborated on and Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud" as a surprise song. Fans from around the world had travelled to Wembley, where Swift is performing more "Eras" tour shows than anywhere else. "I was worried, because this is the first concert after that (Vienna). So I was afraid to look at my phone and see something," said Denise, who flew in with Lauren from US state New Jersey. "I was really nervous, I thought for sure she would consider cancelling her shows here," said Juan Ramirez, 28, another American who took an 11-hour flight from California for the event. "It's been an agonising anticipation of the concert. But we're finally here and I love it," Ramirez added, dressed in a pink outfit, including a bandanna and heart-shaped sunglasses. Ahead of the performance, fans sang Swift's songs and exchanged bracelets with each other, a tradition among Swifties during the tour. Moulson, from Suffolk in eastern England, and wearing DIY sparkly purple boots and a tinsel-lined jacket, doled out bracelets to some of the security guards. Both Moulson and Denise have a bucket list of London spots mentioned in Swift's songs they will visit after the concert, including the Black Dog pub in Vauxhall, south London, namechecked in her latest album.

Taylor Swift returns to the stage for the first time since foiled terror plot in Vienna

Taylor Swift will return to the stage in London on Thursday to end the European leg of her "Eras" tour, a week after her Vienna concerts were cancelled due to a suicide attack plot.&nbsp;

Around 90,000 fans will again pack London's Wembley Stadium for the first date in the five-day run, with additional ticket checks and restrictions in place.

Last week, all three of the American mega-star's shows in the Austrian capital were cancelled following the discovery of an Islamic State-inspired plan to launch an attack using explosives and knives.

Three alleged Islamic State sympathisers have been arrested on charges of plotting the atrocity, which was thwarted with the help of US intelligence.

London's Metropolitan Police has said there was "nothing to indicate that the matters being investigated by the Austrian authorities will have an impact on upcoming events here in London".

The force was working "closely with venue security teams and other partners to ensure there are appropriate security and policing plans in place", a police spokesperson said in a statement.

Fans have been warned on Wembley's website to expect "additional ticket checks" around the stadium.

- 'Tay-gating' - 
 
Swift's return to the British capital, following three sold-out shows in June, also comes two weeks after three young girls were killed in a stabbing at a dance class themed around the pop star's music in northwest England.

Following the knife attack, Swift said she was "completely in shock" and at a "complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families".

She has not yet commented on the decision to cancel the Vienna shows.

London's mayor Sadiq Khan told Sky News that the city was "going to carry on working closely with police, ensuring that the Taylor Swift concerts can take place in London safely".

"We have a huge amount of experience in policing these events, we're never complacent, many lessons were learned after the awful Manchester Arena attack," Khan added.

He was referring to the 2017 bombing at an Ariana Grande concert that killed 22 people, some of them children.&nbsp;

Fans without tickets will also not be allowed to "tay-gate" the event -- the practice of Swift fans standing outside the venue during the live show to hear the music.

- Royal audience - 
 
The stadium's website says that "no one is allowed to stand outside any entrance or... at the front of the stadium" and "non-ticket holders will be moved on".

While the practice was not permitted at her June concerts there, some fans still managed to gather outside Wembley.

After two performances in Madrid at the end of July, Swift noted around 50,000 "people came out and listened to the show" from a nearby hillside on both nights, "participating in the show from afar".&nbsp;

Meanwhile, her last London appearances were attended by some high-profile names.

They included Keir Starmer, who was then running to become Britain's prime minister, and Prince William -- celebrating his birthday -- along with his children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

The singer posted a photo posing with the royals and her boyfriend, American football player Travis Kelce, with the caption "Happy Bday M8! London shows are off to a splendid start".

After wrapping up the European leg of her record-breaking tour -- which began in Paris in May and saw the star perform across the continent -- Swift will then head back to North America.

Its final leg there starts on October 18 in Miami.

Taylor Swift will return to the stage in London on Thursday to end the European leg of her "Eras" tour, a week after her Vienna concerts were cancelled due to a suicide attack plot.

Taylor Swift will return to the stage in London on Thursday to end the European leg of her "Eras" tour, a week after her Vienna concerts were cancelled due to a suicide attack plot. Around 90,000 fans will again pack London's Wembley Stadium for the first date in the five-day run, with additional ticket checks and restrictions in place. Last week, all three of the American mega-star's shows in the Austrian capital were cancelled following the discovery of an Islamic State-inspired plan to launch an attack using explosives and knives. Three alleged Islamic State sympathisers have been arrested on charges of plotting the atrocity, which was thwarted with the help of US intelligence. London's Metropolitan Police has said there was "nothing to indicate that the matters being investigated by the Austrian authorities will have an impact on upcoming events here in London". The force was working "closely with venue security teams and other partners to ensure there are appropriate security and policing plans in place", a police spokesperson said in a statement. Fans have been warned on Wembley's website to expect "additional ticket checks" around the stadium. - 'Tay-gating' - Swift's return to the British capital, following three sold-out shows in June, also comes two weeks after three young girls were killed in a stabbing at a dance class themed around the pop star's music in northwest England. Following the knife attack, Swift said she was "completely in shock" and at a "complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families". She has not yet commented on the decision to cancel the Vienna shows. London's mayor Sadiq Khan told Sky News that the city was "going to carry on working closely with police, ensuring that the Taylor Swift concerts can take place in London safely". "We have a huge amount of experience in policing these events, we're never complacent, many lessons were learned after the awful Manchester Arena attack," Khan added. He was referring to the 2017 bombing at an Ariana Grande concert that killed 22 people, some of them children. Fans without tickets will also not be allowed to "tay-gate" the event -- the practice of Swift fans standing outside the venue during the live show to hear the music. - Royal audience - The stadium's website says that "no one is allowed to stand outside any entrance or... at the front of the stadium" and "non-ticket holders will be moved on". While the practice was not permitted at her June concerts there, some fans still managed to gather outside Wembley. After two performances in Madrid at the end of July, Swift noted around 50,000 "people came out and listened to the show" from a nearby hillside on both nights, "participating in the show from afar". Meanwhile, her last London appearances were attended by some high-profile names. They included Keir Starmer, who was then running to become Britain's prime minister, and Prince William -- celebrating his birthday -- along with his children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte. The singer posted a photo posing with the royals and her boyfriend, American football player Travis Kelce, with the caption "Happy Bday M8! London shows are off to a splendid start". After wrapping up the European leg of her record-breaking tour -- which began in Paris in May and saw the star perform across the continent -- Swift will then head back to North America. Its final leg there starts on October 18 in Miami.

Taylor Swift set to return to stage in London after Vienna concert plot

Austrian police have detained a third alleged Islamic State group sympathiser over a plot to carry out a suicide attack at a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna, authorities said Friday. The United States provided the tip of the threat to this week's "Eras" tour concerts which have been cancelled, the US administration said.

Austrian police on Wednesday arrested suspects aged 19 and 17 over a plot to kill "a large number of people" at one of the three gigs, which were meant to start Thursday, according to authorities.

Interior Minister Gerhard Karner said that "an 18-year-old Iraqi close to the main suspect and who pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group was arrested" in Vienna on Thursday.

The main suspect, a 19-year-old Austrian with North Macedonian roots, had allegedly confessed, saying he "intended to carry out an attack using explosives and knives", according to domestic intelligence agency (DSN) head Omar Haijawi-Pirchner.

The second suspect, a 17-year-old Austrian of Turkish and Croatian origin, had been hired by a facility company that was to have worked at the Ernst Happel Stadium where Swift was to perform, said Haijawi-Pirchner.

Chancellor Karl Nehammer said there were "concrete and detailed" plans to commit a "bloodbath".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taylor-swift-concert-terror-plot-iraqi-national-arrested-primary-suspect-makes-full-confession-748755">Taylor Swift concert terror plot: Iraqi national arrested, main suspect admits to planning 'bloodbath'</a>

The White House on Friday confirmed the United States had provided intelligence to Austria to thwart the plot.

"We work closely with partners all over the world to monitor and disrupt threats," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters.

The Austrian army's intelligence service was warned of a looming attack 10 to 15 days prior by two unspecified countries that helped it foil the plot, news agency APA had reported.

Swift was set to perform three shows from Thursday to Saturday as part of her mega record-breaking "Eras" tour.

The European leg of the sold-out tour began in Paris in May and has taken in Sweden, Portugal, Spain, Britain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, Germany and Poland.

Her next concerts are at Wembley stadium in London from next Thursday and authorities have said they will go ahead. &nbsp;

In Austria, the shows had been expected to bring in some 100 million euros ($109 million) and gather 170,000 fans, according to APA estimates.

Swift has not yet commented on the decision to cancel the Vienna shows but said she was "completely in shock" after a deadly attack in Britain on July 29 at a Swift-themed dance class.

Three girls were killed and five people seriously wounded in the mass stabbing at the class in Southport, England.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Austrian police have detained a third alleged Islamic State group sympathiser over a plot to carry out a suicide attack at a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna, authorities said Friday.

Austrian police have detained a third alleged Islamic State group sympathiser over a plot to carry out a suicide attack at a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna, authorities said Friday. The United States provided the tip of the threat to this week's "Eras" tour concerts which have been cancelled, the US administration said. Austrian police on Wednesday arrested suspects aged 19 and 17 over a plot to kill "a large number of people" at one of the three gigs, which were meant to start Thursday, according to authorities. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner said that "an 18-year-old Iraqi close to the main suspect and who pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group was arrested" in Vienna on Thursday. The main suspect, a 19-year-old Austrian with North Macedonian roots, had allegedly confessed, saying he "intended to carry out an attack using explosives and knives", according to domestic intelligence agency (DSN) head Omar Haijawi-Pirchner. The second suspect, a 17-year-old Austrian of Turkish and Croatian origin, had been hired by a facility company that was to have worked at the Ernst Happel Stadium where Swift was to perform, said Haijawi-Pirchner. Chancellor Karl Nehammer said there were "concrete and detailed" plans to commit a "bloodbath". Also read: Taylor Swift concert terror plot: Iraqi national arrested, main suspect admits to planning 'bloodbath' The White House on Friday confirmed the United States had provided intelligence to Austria to thwart the plot. "We work closely with partners all over the world to monitor and disrupt threats," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters. The Austrian army's intelligence service was warned of a looming attack 10 to 15 days prior by two unspecified countries that helped it foil the plot, news agency APA had reported. Swift was set to perform three shows from Thursday to Saturday as part of her mega record-breaking "Eras" tour. The European leg of the sold-out tour began in Paris in May and has taken in Sweden, Portugal, Spain, Britain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, Germany and Poland. Her next concerts are at Wembley stadium in London from next Thursday and authorities have said they will go ahead. In Austria, the shows had been expected to bring in some 100 million euros ($109 million) and gather 170,000 fans, according to APA estimates. Swift has not yet commented on the decision to cancel the Vienna shows but said she was "completely in shock" after a deadly attack in Britain on July 29 at a Swift-themed dance class. Three girls were killed and five people seriously wounded in the mass stabbing at the class in Southport, England. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Third suspect detained over Taylor Swift Vienna concert plot