Taylor Swift's Vienna Shows Cancelled After Terrorist Plot Foiled
Taylor Swift's highly anticipated "Eras Tour" performances in Vienna have been cancelled following the arrest of two men suspected of plotting a terrorist attack at the concert venue.
In a statement, Austrian concert promoter Barracuda Music confirmed the cancellation, citing "confirmation from government officials of a planned terrorist attack at Ernst Happel Stadium." The promoter stated that they had "no choice but to cancel the three scheduled shows for everyoneâs safety."
According to reports, the suspects, a 19-year-old and another man, were arrested earlier today following a police raid on the younger suspect's home in Ternitz. The 19-year-old, who had pledged allegiance to ISIS, was found to be in possession of various chemicals and substances.
Residents of Ternitz were evacuated and roads were closed during the police operation. The target of the alleged attack was Ernst Happel Stadium, where Swift was scheduled to perform tomorrow, Friday, and Saturday nights.
Vienna State Police Director Franz Ruf and Police Chief Gerhard Purstl confirmed that the suspects had become radicalised online and had developed specific plans for carrying out the attack. While Purstl acknowledged that the "concrete danger" had been "minimised," he stated that an "abstract danger" remained, necessitating the cancellation of the shows.
Ticket holders will receive refunds within the next 10 days.
This incident follows a recent "terroristic threat" that led to the postponement of Morgan Wallen's concert in Kansas City last Friday. The man arrested in connection with that threat reportedly targeted two men backstage at the concert, claiming they were Taylor Swift's boyfriend Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes.
Swift is currently on the international leg of her "Eras Tour" and is scheduled to perform in London before returning to Canada.
