Taylor Swift's highly anticipated concerts in Vienna have been abruptly canceled following the arrest of two suspects accused of plotting a terror attack inspired by ISIS. The three scheduled shows, set to take place at the Ernst Happel Stadium, were called off to ensure the safety of all attendees, according to a statement from Barracuda Music, the concert promoter.
"We have no choice but to cancel the three scheduled shows for everyone's safety," Barracuda Music announced. "All tickets will be automatically refunded."
The cancellation followed the arrest of a 19-year-old Austrian citizen on Wednesday morning and a second suspect later that afternoon. Austrian authorities revealed that the suspects had allegedly radicalized themselves online, and the 19-year-old had pledged allegiance to the leader of the Islamic State earlier in July.
Franz Ruf, director-general for public safety in Austria's Ministry of the Interior, disclosed in a press conference that Vienna was the intended target of the planned attack, with a specific focus on Swift's concerts. The threat to the concerts was identified by U.S. intelligence and shared with Austrian authorities and Europol, according to multiple law enforcement and intelligence sources.
While the suspects were inspired by ISIS, investigators do not believe the plot was directed by ISIS operatives. U.S. intelligence sources found that one of the suspects had pledged allegiance to ISIS-K on the messaging app Telegram in early July. Investigators have not confirmed whether the suspects had produced a functioning bomb but found explosive precursor chemicals, indicating a degree of motivation and planning.
Security had been increased at the concert venue prior to the cancellation, with authorities expecting around 65,000 concertgoers per day and an additional 10,000 to 15,000 fans outside the area. Despite these precautions, the decision to cancel the concerts was made to ensure public safety.
Swift kicked off her "Eras Tour" in Glendale, Arizona, on March 18, 2023, which has been met with massive success. The tour's cancellation in Vienna is a significant disruption, given its popularity and the extensive security measures already in place.
Austrian investigators are currently reviewing surveillance footage to determine if the suspects had conducted reconnaissance at the concert site or other potential targets. This investigation is part of a broader concern about mass gathering attacks, highlighted by the deadly concert hall assault in Moscow earlier this year, for which ISIS-K claimed responsibility.
In October 2023, Swift released a concert film chronicling her record-breaking tour, "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour," which also achieved significant success, earning a Golden Globe nomination. Despite the setback in Vienna, the "Eras Tour" is set to continue, with upcoming concerts scheduled in London from August 15-20 and concluding in Vancouver, Canada, on December 8.
