Three upcoming Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna have been cancelled due to a potential security threat.
The shows, part of Swift’s Eras tour, were scheduled for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the Ernst Happel Stadium.
On Wednesday, Austrian authorities arrested two individuals suspected of planning attacks inspired by the Islamic State group on large events in Vienna.
A statement from the concert organizers said: “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 statement also mentioned: “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 arrested on Wednesday morning in Ternitz, Lower Austria. A second arrest occurred in Vienna in the afternoon, though details about the suspect were not disclosed.
“According to the current status of the investigation, the two suspects became radicalised via the internet,” Mr. Ruf said, adding that the 19-year-old had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group at the beginning of July.
A large police operation in Ternitz led to the evacuation of several nearby houses while the suspect’s home was searched. Chemical substances were found and are being examined.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer stated in a post on X that the cancellations were a “bitter disappointment for all fans” but emphasized the seriousness of the situation.
“Thanks to the intensive cooperation of our police and [security agencies] with foreign services, the threat was recognized early, combated, and a tragedy prevented,” Nehammer said.
Gerhard Pürstl, the head of police in Vienna, mentioned that 65,000 people per day were expected to attend the concerts, with an additional 22,000 fans outside the venue.
Investigations are ongoing.
Molly Surette, a resident of Leeds, UK, had been eagerly awaiting Saturday’s show with friends, having bought tickets more than a year ago.
“When she first announced her European tours, I signed up [to try and get tickets] for as many dates as possible,” she told the BBC. “We’ve been looking forward to it ever since.”
Surette and her friends were making friendship bracelets, which fans swap at shows during the tour, when they heard the news 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.”
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