Taylor Swift’s concerts in Austria were canceled after two men were arrested for allegedly plotting terror attacks on her shows in Vienna.
Swift, known for her popular “Eras Tour,” was scheduled to perform at Ernst Happel Stadium on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Event organizer Barracuda Music announced via Instagram that it had no choice but to cancel the shows to ensure everyone’s safety.
Swift’s official website confirmed that all tickets would be automatically refunded within the next 10 business days.
Barracuda shared on Instagram that the decision was made following the confirmation from government officials of a planned terrorist attack at the stadium.
According to local reports, a significant police operation occurred early Wednesday in Ternitz, a town located in Lower Austria. A man was taken into custody, and special forces searched his home for several hours. Police authorities had to evacuate nearby houses and a section of a retirement home. Multiple roads were also closed during the investigation, which involved analyzing several chemical substances found in the suspect’s home.
Reports suggested that one of the suspects had become radicalized online and had pledged allegiance to the current leader of the Islamic State (ISIS).
Senior officials, including the General Director of Public Security Franz Ruf and Vienna State Police President Gerhard Pürstl, confirmed that a 19-year-old Austrian citizen was one of those arrested. A second man was arrested in Vienna later in the day. One of the suspects was identified as an Austrian with North Macedonian roots living in Ternitz.
Authorities believe that these men were involved in specific preparatory actions to carry out a terrorist attack, with the 19-year-old suspect especially targeting Swift’s concerts.
The concerts were canceled just hours after authorities announced heightened security measures for Swift’s performances.
Following the canceled concerts in Vienna, Swift is scheduled to perform in London next week, which will mark the end of the European leg of her tour. Post London, Swift will take a three-month break before resuming her shows in Toronto.
In light of these developments, fans and concert-goers are reminded of the importance of safety and the measures taken to protect everyone involved.
