Taylor Swift cancels Vienna Eras Tour shows after terrorist attack threats
Swift's three Vienna shows were cancelled after two suspects were arrested for plotting terrorist attack near the concert venue.
Taylor Swift has cancelled all three of her scheduled Eras Tour shows in Vienna following the arrest of two individuals who allegedly plotted a terrorist attack near the concert venue. Swift was set to perform at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion on 8th, 9th, and 10th August.
In a statement, the show's promoter Barracuda Music said, "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." They added that all tickets would be automatically refunded within the next 10 working days.
The Austrian interior department revealed in a press release that the two suspects, one of whom is a 19-year-old who had allegedly pledged allegiance to ISIS in July, had been radicalized online and had detailed plans for their attacks. The release stated, "Based on current assessments by the State Security and Intelligence Directorate regarding terrorist and extremist acts, the Vienna State Police Directorate has increased security precautions, particularly at major events. The terror alert level in Austria remains high and is continuously evaluated."
Austrian Director General for Public Safety Franz Ruf confirmed, "The suspects were focused on the Taylor Swift concerts. We discovered that he was taking action to prepare for the attack. A clear threat has been averted."
The cancelled Vienna shows were expected to draw nearly 200,000 fans and would have been the second-to-last stop on Swift's European tour. Following the Vienna dates, Swift is scheduled to perform a five-night stint at London's Wembley Stadium from 14th to 18th August.
In a statement, the show's promoter Barracuda Music said, "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." They added that all tickets would be automatically refunded within the next 10 working days.
The Austrian interior department revealed in a press release that the two suspects, one of whom is a 19-year-old who had allegedly pledged allegiance to ISIS in July, had been radicalized online and had detailed plans for their attacks. The release stated, "Based on current assessments by the State Security and Intelligence Directorate regarding terrorist and extremist acts, the Vienna State Police Directorate has increased security precautions, particularly at major events. The terror alert level in Austria remains high and is continuously evaluated."
Austrian Director General for Public Safety Franz Ruf confirmed, "The suspects were focused on the Taylor Swift concerts. We discovered that he was taking action to prepare for the attack. A clear threat has been averted."
The cancelled Vienna shows were expected to draw nearly 200,000 fans and would have been the second-to-last stop on Swift's European tour. Following the Vienna dates, Swift is scheduled to perform a five-night stint at London's Wembley Stadium from 14th to 18th August.