VIENNA – Organizers have canceled Taylor Swift’s three upcoming concerts in Vienna after officials announced arrests related to a plot targeting events in the area. The concerts, set to take place at Ernst Happel Stadium on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, were part of Swift’s Eras Tour.
Reasons for Cancellation
Event organizer Barracuda Music announced the cancellation late Wednesday, citing government confirmation of a planned attack at the stadium. This decision was made to ensure the safety of attendees following the arrest of two suspected extremists.
The primary suspect, a 19-year-old, was apprehended in Ternitz, south of Vienna, while the second individual was arrested in the Austrian capital. Authorities revealed that the 19-year-old had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group and had been radicalized online. Chemical substances linked to the plot are currently being evaluated.
Security Measures and Response
Earlier in the day, Austrian authorities had announced increased security measures for the concerts, including heightened entry checks. Vienna police chief Gerhard Pürstl stated that although concrete danger had been minimized, the abstract risk warranted stronger security protocols.
Ticket Refunds
Barracuda Music has assured that all tickets for the canceled concerts will be automatically refunded within the next 10 business days.
The cancellation of these concerts is a significant disappointment for fans, but the priority remains the safety and security of everyone involved.