Summary:
- Taylor Swift’s Vienna concerts canceled due to security threat.
- Two suspects detained over planned attack.
- Austrian Chancellor confirms tragedy averted.
Chancellor Karl Nehammer has declared that a tragedy was averted after police detained two suspects involved in a serious threat. Taylor Swift’s three concerts in Vienna this week have been called off following the arrests.
Swift was set to perform at the Ernst Happel Stadium as part of her Eras Tour. Event organizer Barracuda Music announced the cancellation for safety reasons, citing government confirmation of a planned attack.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer confirmed the threat was identified and neutralized due to cooperation between local and foreign security services. Barracuda Music assured ticket holders that refunds would be provided.
Police detained two individuals suspected of plotting the attack. Franz Ruf, director general for public security, stated that the main suspect, a 19-year-old Austrian, had focused on the Taylor Swift concerts and had pledged allegiance to ISIS. Another suspect was later arrested in Vienna.
Authorities searched a residence in Ternitz, Lower Austria, and are analyzing items found there. Reports indicate that at least three suspects remain at large.
Before the cancellation, police had planned increased security measures for the concerts, including heightened entry checks and special units. They anticipated around 65,000 attendees per show, plus 15,000 outside the stadium.
Taylor Swift has not commented on the cancellations. Her concerts draw massive crowds and have significant economic impacts, leading to the term “Swiftonomics.” Fans expressed panic in official fan groups following the announcement.
Swift’s next scheduled performances are in London at Wembley Stadium, starting August 15.