Three upcoming Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna have been canceled due to a possible security threat.
The shows, part of Swift’s Eras Tour, were due to take place at the Ernst Happel Stadium on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Two people were arrested on Wednesday for allegedly plotting Islamist attacks on major events in the area surrounding the Austrian capital.
“Following the confirmation of a terrorist attack plot at the Ernst Happel Stadium by government officials, we are forced to cancel the three planned shows out of consideration for everyone’s safety,” the organizers said in a statement.
The statement continued: “All tickets will be automatically refunded within the next 10 working days.”
Earlier, Austrian Public Security Chief Franz Ruff said a 19-year-old Austrian national was arrested on Wednesday morning in Telnitz, Lower Austria.
A second arrest was made in Vienna in the afternoon, but no further details about the suspect were released.
“According to the current state of the investigation, the two suspects were radicalised through the internet,” Ruf said.
He said the 19-year-old took an “oath of allegiance” to the so-called Islamic State in early July.
There was a major police operation in Telnitz, where the 19-year-old lives. Several nearby houses were evacuated while his home was searched.
Ruf said chemical substances had been found and were under investigation.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said in an article on X that the cancellation was a “painful disappointment for all fans,” but that the situation was “very serious.”
Vienna Police Chief Gerhard Purstl said, “Thanks to intensive cooperation between our police and [security authorities] and foreign agencies, we were able to identify and address the threat early and prevent a tragedy,” and said the concert was expected to attract 65,000 visitors per day. 22,000 fans also gathered in front of the venue.
An investigation is ongoing.
Molly Schlett, who lives in Leeds, England, had been waiting to attend Saturday’s show with friends since she bought her ticket more than a year ago.
“When she first announced the European tour, I signed up for as many dates as I could (to get tickets),”
“We’ve been looking forward to it ever since.”
The group was in the middle of making friendship bracelets that fans have been bringing to shows and exchanging during the tour when they heard the show was canceled.
A lot of preparation has gone into making this concert and Eras tour a unique and must-attend event,” Molly said.
“I’ll miss it. I’m devastated. I’ll probably watch the recording!
“But I’m just glad everyone is safe.”