Festival grounds in Taiskirchen evacuated after bomb threat – investigations ongoing

Police confirmed that the evacuation was carried out in close coordination with all parties involved. "In Abstimmung mit allen Beteiligten wurde das Gelände geräumt. Die Evakuierung verlief laut Polizei reibungslos", a statement read. The authorities subsequently searched the area but, according to the operations command, found no explosive device. The festival was nevertheless not resumed.

Investigations ongoing

The municipality of Taiskirchen im Innkreis was in shock. The mayor and municipal representatives expressed dismay that such a threat could target a festival in rural Upper Austria of all places. In local contributions, it was emphasized that events of this kind shape the cultural life of the region and also have tourism significance.

The investigation was taken over by the relevant State Criminal Police Office of Upper Austria. "Die Ermittlungen zu den Drohanrufen laufen", the investigators stated. The authorities initially provided no information on possible suspects, the content of the threats, or any leads. A possible motive – such as a political motivation – also remained unclear for the time being.

For the cultural association, the incident means not only reputational damage but also a financial loss. Since the festival had to be called off on its opening day, ticket revenue, beverage sales, and sponsorship income had already been paid out in advance. Gattermaier announced that the economic consequences would be reviewed and that legal action would be considered if appropriate.

Solidarity from the region

The news triggered numerous posts on social media. Many users expressed dismay at the threat against a small town festival, while others praised the swift response of the emergency services. Prominent figures from the region, including the Taiskirchen-born singer Andreas Gabalier and tennis player Dominic Thiem, also expressed their solidarity with the cultural association in online posts.

At the same time, police called on the public to report any information. Anyone who made suspicious observations on the day of the event or can provide information about the calls is asked to contact the nearest police station or the State Criminal Police Office. The authorities stressed that even the smallest perceptions could be important for the investigation.

Background: Increasing threats against public festivals

The incident is part of a growing number of threats against public events in Austria. Earlier in early summer, a festival in Aschach an der Donau was ended prematurely after a similar threat. Security experts see the increase in such acts as a new threat scenario for voluntarily organized festivals in rural areas.

The cultural association announced that it would decide on the future of the festival after the conclusion of the investigations. Gattermaier emphasized that they did not want to be intimidated by a threat, but that the safety of visitors had to be the top priority. A date for a possible new edition in the coming year has not yet been set.