The threat was "very serious"
For around 200,000 Taylor Swift fans, it's a bitter disappointment, but according to the police, the right decision: The organizer cancels all three planned shows in Vienna due to concerns about a terrorist attack at the last minute. Investigators found chemical substances at the home of a 19-year-old Islamist.
Austrian police are working at full speed after the arrest of two suspected terrorists and the cancellation of all Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna. A 19-year-old radicalized Islamist had prepared attacks and had his sights set on the pop star's shows in the capital, according to security authorities. As a precaution, the three mass events scheduled for this week were cancelled within 24 hours of Swift's first planned appearance on Thursday. According to the Austrian government, the threat level was "very serious."
While the 19-year-old and another person were arrested, the police did not disclose the latter's age or relationship to the teenager for tactical reasons. However, possible accomplices were a cause for concern. Various media outlets reported, citing security sources, that further suspects were being sought. The police did not confirm this. Otherwise, little was initially disclosed about the investigation.
All of Swift's concerts on her tour were sold out, including those in Vienna. Each evening, 65,000 people were expected at the Ernst Happel Stadium, with an additional 15,000 to 20,000 Swift fans expected in the stadium's vicinity.
Chancellor Nehammer: "A tragedy averted"
" Cancellation of Taylor Swift concerts by the organizers is a great disappointment for all fans in Austria," wrote Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer on X. "The situation around the apparently planned terrorist attack in Vienna was very serious. Thanks to the intensive cooperation of our police and the newly established DSN (Directorate for State Security and Intelligence) with foreign services, the threat was recognized, combated, and a tragedy averted."
Investigators searched premises in Ternitz, about 75 kilometers southwest of Vienna, all day Wednesday. The 19-year-old was arrested there. In the evening, specialists were still on site. It is unclear whether data carriers such as computers or mobile phones were secured. The second arrest took place in Vienna.
The 19-year-old Austrian was active on relevant platforms on the internet. According to the police, he became radicalized through online forums. And he had pledged allegiance to the terrorist organization Islamic State just last July.
The fact that the attack plans may have been quite advanced is suggested by the discovery of chemical substances in the rooms. Investigators were seen there in protective clothing. What exactly the teenager was planning remains unclear.
No replacement concerts planned
"Based on confirmation from government officials of a planned terrorist attack at the Ernst Happel Stadium, we have no choice but to cancel the three planned shows for the safety of all," Barracuda Music announced. No replacement is planned. Taylor Swift is booked for further concerts in London. "All tickets will be automatically refunded within the next 10 working days," Barracuda Music announced.
Swift's management initially only referred to the organizer's statement and did not comment further. The 34-year-old was reportedly already in Austria, but this was not confirmed.
Your fans, known as "Swifties," reacted deeply disappointed but also understood the cancellation. "Can't believe it," one wrote under the Instagram post by Barracuda Music announcing the cancellation. "My heart is broken," another wrote. Many fans of the musician still considered the cancellation the right decision given the apparent very real terror threat.
After the arrests, police were asked if they thought cancelling the concerts was appropriate. The Vienna Police President, Gerhard Pürstl, dodged the question, saying that giving such recommendations wasn't their role. However, he made it clear that while the arrest had minimized the immediate threat, a "general threat" still remained.
The Austrian government commended the actions of The Commission, specifically the Directorate for State Security and Intelligence (DSN), for their role in recognizing and combating the terrorist threat, ultimately avertng a tragedy. Following the cancellation of Taylor Swift's concerts in Vienna, Barracuda Music, the organizer, confirmed that no replacement shows would be arranged due to safety concerns.
