Organizers have canceled three Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna, Austria, following the arrest of two suspects allegedly planning a terror attack during her Eras tour performances. The decision, announced by promoter Barracuda Music on Wednesday, has left fans devastated and highlighted the vulnerability of large-scale events to potential security threats.

Swift was scheduled to perform at the Ernst Happel Stadium from Thursday to Saturday, with an expected audience of 65,000 per show and an additional 15,000-20,000 fans anticipated outside the venue. The cancellation is likely to have significant economic implications for Vienna, as Swift’s tour has been known to boost local economies substantially.

“Thanks to the intensive cooperation of our police and the newly established DSN with foreign services, the threat was recognized early, combated and a tragedy prevented. Many thanks to the emergency services who are currently investigating at full speed,” Karl Nehammer, Chancellor of Austria, said on X.

ISIS connection

Austrian police revealed that a 19-year-old Austrian citizen, described as an ISIS sympathizer, was arrested Wednesday morning in Ternitz, lower Austria. A second arrest was made later in Vienna. Authorities stated that the suspects had become “radicalized by the internet,” with the teenager pledging allegiance to the ISIS leader in July.

According to police, the suspects had taken “concrete preparatory measures” for an attack. Chemical substances were secured at the 19-year-old’s home and are currently being evaluated. While the investigation is ongoing, police believe the intended targets were events in the Vienna region. Additional detentions have been made, though details remain undisclosed.

Ticket refunds

The cancellation has affected numerous fans, including many who had traveled internationally for the concerts. 

Barracuda Music has assured ticket holders of automatic refunds within ten business days. Swift’s official website has updated the Vienna dates as canceled, though her representatives have not yet commented on the situation.

The Eras Tour, which began in March 2023, has been a global phenomenon, with stops across multiple continents. Vienna was set to be the penultimate European venue before Swift’s scheduled performances at London’s Wembley Stadium next week. The tour is slated to conclude in North America later this year.

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