WWE Event Goes On Despite Rumored ISIS Threat

A Nov. 22 WWE “Survivor Series” event at Philips Arena in Atlanta went off without a hitch despite rumors of a planned terrorist attack. 

Philips Arena gig in Milan, University Pastoral Day in Lebanon, The Al-Jihad, One Day One Juz in Indonesia, and the global Catholic Church celebrations of Feast of Christ the King,” according to International Business Times.

“The goal is to make sure the whole world, or at least the people going to these events, know that there have been threats and that there is possibility of an attack to happen,” Anonymous’ post continued. “Another goal is to make sure Daesh [the Arabic name for ISIS] knows that the world knows and cancels the attacks, which will disorientate them for a while.”

Following the Anonymous publication, the FBI’s Atlanta office released a statement explaining the bureau did not have “specific or credible information of an attack.”

“The FBI is aware of reports of an alleged threat that includes an Atlanta, Georgia venue and event,” IBT reported. “We have … made the proper notifications as we continue to work closely with our law enforcement and private sector partners to keep our community safe.”

Philips Arena also addressed the rumors, noting on its website that authorities had confirmed “there is no specific or credible information involving a threat against tomorrow’s WWE Survivor Series at Philips Arena. However, WWE and Philips Arena have coordinated with the appropriate agencies and law enforcement, and significantly increased security measures to ensure the safety of all those in attendance, which is our highest priority.”

Doors opened early to allow for increased security screenings, fans were encouraged to take public transportation and bags were not allowed in the venue for the event. Five Finger Death Punch pulled the plug on its Nov. 22 Milan show following the Anonymous publication.

“As some of you may be aware, there were many rumors today that the Milan show on Sunday, November 22nd will be targeted in a next wave of terror attacks like we saw in Paris last week,” the band wrote on Facebook. “We did our best in a very short amount of time to work with the local promoter and authorities to ensure that security would be adequate. Unfortunately, we did not receive confirmation in time to satisfy our requirements and to ensure that our fans would be safe at the event. Therefore, we were forced to postpone the show to a later date. Please stay tuned for more info.”

The band had two remaining dates to wrap its European tour at press time – Nov. 25 in Dusseldorf, Germany and Nov. 28 in London.