Three upcoming Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna have been cancelled due to a potential security threat. The performances, part of Swift’s Eras tour, were set for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the Ernst Happel Stadium.
Authorities arrested two individuals on Wednesday, who are suspected of planning Islamist attacks on major events near the Austrian capital.
An official statement from the event organizers read: “Due to confirmation by government officials of a planned terrorist attack at the Ernst Happel Stadium, we have no choice but to cancel the three planned shows for everyone’s safety.”
The organizers also announced that all tickets would be automatically refunded within the next 10 working days.
Franz Ruf, Austria’s General Director for Public Security, reported that a 19-year-old Austrian was apprehended Wednesday morning in Ternitz, Lower Austria.
He mentioned a subsequent arrest in Vienna later in the day, without revealing details about this second suspect.
“According to the current status of the investigation, the two suspects became radicalized via the internet,” Mr. Ruf said.
He said the 19-year-old made “an oath of allegiance” to the so-called Islamic State at the beginning of July.
In Ternitz, where the 19-year-old resided, a significant police operation was conducted. Several nearby homes were evacuated during the search of his residence.
During the operation, chemical substances were discovered and are currently under examination.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer expressed on X that the cancellations would greatly disappoint fans but emphasized the severity of the threat.
“Thanks to the intensive cooperation of our police and security agencies with foreign services, the threat was recognized early, combated, and a tragedy prevented,” he said.
It is reported that investigations for this case are continuing.
Gerhard Pürstl, the chief of Vienna police, noted that the concerts were expected to draw 65,000 attendees daily, with another 22,000 fans outside the venue.
Molly Surette, residing in Leeds, UK, had been eagerly anticipating Saturday’s concert with friends, having bought the tickets over a year ago.
“When she first announced her European tours, I signed up to try and get tickets for as many dates as possible. We’ve been looking forward to it ever since,” Molly said.
The group was crafting friendship bracelets to exchange at the concerts, a common fan activity during the tour, when they learned of the cancellations.
“There’s been so much building up to this concert and what the Eras tour is as a unique event to even attend,” said Molly.
“And I’m missing that. So I’m devastated. I guess I’ll be watching the recorded one! But I’m glad everyone is hopefully going to be safe.”
