Organizers of three Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna this week canceled the events on Wednesday after authorities announced arrests related to an apparent plot to launch an attack at a venue in the Vienna area, including the concerts.
Swift was scheduled to perform at Vienna’s Ernst Happel Stadium on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday as part of her Eras Tour. However, event organizer Barracuda Music announced on Instagram that “we have no choice but to cancel the three scheduled shows for everyone’s safety,” citing government officials’ confirmation of a planned attack at the stadium.
Earlier in the day, Austrian authorities reported the arrest of two suspected extremists, including a 19-year-old who appeared to be planning an attack on an event in the Vienna area, such as the upcoming Swift concerts. The main suspect, who had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, was arrested in Ternitz, south of Vienna, with the second individual detained in the capital. Authorities also secured chemical substances from the suspects, which are currently being evaluated.
The cancellation came shortly after authorities had announced heightened security measures for the concerts. Vienna police chief Gerhard Pürstl stated that, while the immediate danger had been minimized, an abstract risk remained, justifying increased security. Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer expressed disappointment over the canceled concerts but praised the swift action that helped prevent a potential tragedy.
Barracuda Music assured fans that all tickets would be automatically refunded within 10 business days. The Vienna stadium had been sold out, with around 170,000 fans expected to attend. Swift fans took to social media to express their heartbreak, with many lamenting the months of preparation that had now gone to waste.