Three upcoming of the American singer-songwriter, Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna have been cancelled following a potential security threat.
The concerts, originally scheduled for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the Ernst Happel Stadium, were called off after authorities apprehended two individuals suspected of planning Islamist attacks targeting large gatherings near the Austrian capital.
A statement from the event organisers explained, “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 organisers assured that “all tickets will be automatically 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, located in Lower Austria.
Another arrest occurred later that day in Vienna, although details about this second suspect remain undisclosed.
Mr. Ruf noted, “According to the current status of the investigation, the two suspects became radicalised via the internet.” He added that the 19-year-old had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State at the beginning of July.
A significant police operation ensued in Ternitz, the hometown of the first suspect, leading to the evacuation of several nearby houses as authorities conducted a search. Chemical substances discovered during the search are currently under examination.
Gerhard Pürstl, Vienna’s police chief, mentioned that the concerts were expected to draw 65,000 attendees per day, with an additional 22,000 fans anticipated outside the venue.
