- Taylor Swift Vienna concerts cancelled after attack threat
- The concerts were scheduled for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the Ernst Happel Stadium
- The cancellations follow the arrests of two individuals suspected of planning Islamist attacks on large events in the Vienna area
- They assured that all tickets would be refunded within the next 10 working days
Taylor Swift Vienna concerts cancelled after attack threat
Three Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna, part of her Eras tour, have been cancelled due to a potential security threat. The concerts were scheduled for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the Ernst Happel Stadium.
The cancellations follow the arrests of two individuals suspected of planning Islamist attacks on large events in the Vienna area. Organisers confirmed the cancellations in a statement, citing government confirmation of a planned terrorist attack at the stadium. They assured that all tickets would be refunded within the next 10 working days.
Austria’s General Director for Public Security, Franz Ruf, revealed that a 19-year-old Austrian citizen was arrested on Wednesday morning in Ternitz, Lower Austria. Another arrest followed in Vienna in the afternoon. The suspects are believed to have been radicalised online, with the 19-year-old swearing allegiance to the Islamic State in early July. A search of his home uncovered chemical substances, which are being examined.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer acknowledged the disappointment for fans but emphasised the seriousness of the threat. He praised the cooperation between police and security agencies, which helped prevent a potential tragedy.
Vienna’s police chief, Gerhard Pürstl, noted that the concerts were expected to draw 65,000 attendees each day, with an additional 22,000 fans outside the venue. Investigations are ongoing.
