Austrian security services stated on Sunday that they had foiled a planned attack on Saturday’s capital pride march.
Officials claimed three men aged 14 to 20 were arrested on suspicion of plotting an attack on the Vienna Pride Parade, which was held to commemorate LGBTQ+ rights and drew over 300,000 people.
“Through the successful and also timely intervention, we managed to defuse the moment of danger for Vienna Pride and to ensure the safety of all participants,” said Omar Haijawi-Pirchner, Austria’s domestic intelligence chief.
He did not give details of what the attack would have consisted of, but said items prohibited under Austria’s weapons law were seized in searches carried out at the suspects’ homes.
Vienna police and Austria’s state protection service were involved in the operation.