Taylor Swift Enlists Counterterrorism Forces For London Concerts After Vienna Terrorist Attack Is Thwarted

Last week, we reported that a planned terrorist attack on Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna, Austria was thwarted. Now, Swift has reportedly enlisted the help of counterterrorism forces for the concerts that she has in London this week.

Swift Using Counterterrorism Forces

Law enforcement sources told TMZ that Swift’s five upcoming shows at Wembley Stadium in London will be relying on additional private security specializing in counterterrorism. The private security force will also be deployed because of ongoing civil unrest in the country.

Wembley typically has high-level security measures in place, especially compared to similar venues. In fact, it is widely regarded as being one of the safest venues in Europe from a counterterrorism perspective.

However, one of the biggest security issues heading into these concerts is protecting Swift fans right outside the concert venue. Swift fans are known to congregate outside of her concert venues even if they do not have tickets. These fans will need protection as well.

Related: Taylor Swift’s ‘Biggest Fear’ Was Terrorist Attack Happening At Her Concerts As ISIS Plot Is Thwarted

Security Firm Strategies

Ben Knott, operations director at FGH Security in England, explained that private security firms work with police outside of events. They’re usually tasked with sniffing out suspicious people.

Knott also said counterterrorism security forces typically deploy plainclothes and uniformed personnel. It’s their job to look for strange people in the crowd. They particularly look for people who are scanning the area for cameras and police.

After noticing a suspicious person, the security forces will usually approach. They tend to try and be friendly, asking the person if they need help with anything. If the person has a negative reaction to this, however, police are immediately called in.

A security expert previously told Fox News that there will likely be “additional layers of protection” for these concerts.

“Taylor Swift’s team is likely implementing additional layers of protection to ensure her own safety, as well as her fans’ and the public’s safety,” said Julian Moro, SVP and regional security director at International SOS. 

“While it is not known what the exact measures may be, we can assume this could include increasing security personnel, limiting public appearances and interactions and reassessing travel routes,” he continued. “It also will likely include making sure that there’s additional security at and around the venues where she’ll perform for the remainder of her tour.”

Related: Taylor Swift Will Keep Calm and Carry On With London Concert After ISIS Terror Plot Is Narrowly Foiled In Austria

Swift To Increase Her Personal Security

Moro also said that Swift will likely increase her own personal security as well.

“In Ms. Swift’s case, it is our understanding that she has a full-time, very experienced head of security, and travels with an executive protection detail, which would be augmented with additional agents based on the profile and itinerary, or like this example, due to a credible and specific threat,” Moro explained.

“Moreover, her private security team will liaise closely with venue security personnel, and if she is going to a public area, law enforcement personnel,” he added. “Oftentimes, in high threatening situations, all three work together to ensure the safety of the public as well as the high-profile person.”

Swift’s first London concert is set to take place on Thursday. Please join us in saying a prayer that Swift is able to complete her London concerts safely!