Taylor Swift Concerts Cancelled In Vienna After Attack Threats
Three Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna, part of her highly anticipated Eras Tour, have been cancelled due to a serious security threat. The shows, scheduled for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the Ernst Happel Stadium, were called off after Austrian authorities uncovered a plot by two suspects allegedly inspired by the Islamic State group to carry out an attack at the venue.
The suspects, a 19-year-old and a 17-year-old, were arrested on Wednesday. According to officials, the 19-year-old, who had been planning the attack since July, intended to use knives or homemade explosives to "kill as many people as possible" outside the stadium.
The 17-year-old, who was employed at the venue just days before the planned attacks, was also apprehended near the stadium. Authorities believe both suspects had become radicalised online, and materials related to Islamic State and al-Qaeda were found during searches of their homes.
Event organisers, Barracuda Music, made the difficult decision to cancel the concerts after government officials confirmed the threat. "We have no choice but to cancel the three scheduled shows for everyone's safety," they announced, promising that all tickets would be refunded within 10 working days.
The cancellation has left fans devastated, particularly those who had travelled from around the world to see the sold-out shows. An estimated 170,000 fans were expected to attend the three concerts, with an additional 30,000 likely to gather outside the stadium each night.
Austrian authorities have praised the swift action of their security forces, crediting their cooperation with international agencies for preventing a potential tragedy. Franz Ruf, Austria's Director General for Public Security, noted that chemical substances and bomb-making materials were found at the 19-year-old's home, confirming the seriousness of the threat. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner emphasised that the situation was "serious," but assured the public that no other suspects were being sought.
The impact of the cancelled concerts extends beyond the immediate disappointment of fans. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer acknowledged the "bitter disappointment" for Swift's fans but stressed the importance of prioritising safety. Vienna’s police have maintained a heightened state of alert, and investigations are ongoing to ensure there are no further threats.
Taylor Swift has not yet commented publicly on the cancellations. However, her next scheduled performances in London at Wembley Stadium are expected to go ahead as planned, with security measures under review in light of the Vienna threat.
The incident has brought back memories of past attacks on entertainment events, such as the 2017 bombing at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester. However, in this case, the early intervention by authorities has averted a similar disaster, allowing fans and the broader public to breathe a sigh of relief, even as they process the disappointment of missing out on the Eras Tour in Vienna.
