Three Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna have been called off due to a potential security threat. The shows, part of her Eras tour, were scheduled for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the Ernst Happel Stadium.
On Wednesday, authorities arrested two individuals suspected of planning Islamist attacks on large gatherings in the Vienna area.
Organisers released a statement that stated, “Following confirmation from government officials of a planned terrorist attack at the Ernst Happel Stadium, we are forced to cancel the three planned shows to ensure everyone’s safety.”
The statement also mentioned that, “All tickets will be automatically refunded within the next 10 working days.”
Earlier, Austria’s General Director for Public Security, Franz Ruf, announced that a 19-year-old Austrian citizen was detained on Wednesday morning in Ternitz, Lower Austria. A second arrest occurred in Vienna later in the day, but details about the suspect were not disclosed.
Ruf explained, “Current investigations indicate the two suspects were radicalised online.” He added that the 19-year-old pledged allegiance to the so-called Islamic State in early July. A large police operation ensued in Ternitz, where the 19-year-old resided. Several nearby houses were evacuated during a search of his home.
Mr. Ruf reported that chemical substances were found and are being analyse. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer tweeted that the cancellations would disappoint fans, but the situation had been critical.
He stated, “Thanks to the intense cooperation between our police, security agencies, and foreign services, the threat was identified early, addressed, and a potential tragedy averted.”
Vienna’s police chief, Gerhard Pürstl, noted that 65,000 people per day were expected at the concerts, plus 22,000 fans outside the venue. Investigations are ongoing.
Molly Surette, from Leeds in the UK, had eagerly anticipated attending Saturday’s show with friends after buying tickets over a year ago. “When she announced her European tours, I signed up for as many dates as possible,” she told the BBC. “We’ve been looking forward to it ever since.”
Molly’s group was making friendship bracelets to swap at the shows when they heard about the cancellations. “There’s been so much anticipation for this concert and what the Eras tour represents as a unique event,” she said. “And now I’m missing that. So I’m devastated. I guess I’ll be watching the recorded version! But I’m glad everyone will hopefully be safe.”
NANCY MBAMALU
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