- Threat'very serious': Swift concerts in Vienna cancelled
Investigations by Austrian Police are in Full Swing After Arrest of Two Suspects and Cancellation of All Taylor Swift Concerts in Vienna
The Austrian police are conducting high-intensity investigations following the arrest of two terrorism suspects and the cancellation of all Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna. A 19-year-old radicalized Islamist, according to security authorities, had prepared attacks and targeted the popular US singer's shows in the capital. As a precaution, the three mass events scheduled for this week were cancelled within 24 hours of Swift's first planned appearance on Thursday. The Austrian government stated that the threat level was "very serious".
Reports of Fleeing Suspects
While the 19-year-old and another person, whose age and relation to the teenager the police did not disclose for tactical reasons, were arrested, potential accomplices were a cause for concern. Various media outlets, citing security sources, reported that further suspects were being sought. The police did not confirm this. Initially, little information was provided about the investigations.
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-Stadion, with an additional 15,000 to 20,000 Swift fans anticipated in the stadium's vicinity.
Chancellor Nehammer: "A Tragedy Averted"
"The cancellation of the Taylor Swift concerts by the organizers is a great disappointment for all fans in Austria," wrote Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer on X. "The situation surrounding 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 Service) 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, where the 19-year-old was arrested. Specialists were still on site in the evening. It remains unclear whether data carriers such as computers or mobile phones were seized. The second arrest was made in Vienna.
Radicalized on the Internet
The 19-year-old Austrian was active on relevant platforms on the internet. According to the police, he became radicalized through online forums and pledged allegiance to the Islamic State terrorist organization in July.
The fact that chemical substances were found in the rooms suggests that the attack plans may have been quite advanced. Investigators were seen handling materials in protective clothing. However, what the teenager had planned remained unclear.
No Replacement Concerts Planned
"Due to confirmation by government officials of a planned terrorist attack at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion, we have no choice but to cancel the three planned shows for the safety of all," Barracuda Music, the concert promoter, stated. No replacements are scheduled. 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 referred to the promoter's statement and did not provide further comment. It is believed that the 34-year-old was already in Austria, but this was not confirmed.
Swifties React with Disappointment - and Understanding
Fans known as "Swifties" reacted deeply disappointed but also understanding towards 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 still considered the cancellation the right decision given the apparent serious terror threat.
After the arrests, police were asked if they thought cancelling the concerts was appropriate. The Vienna Police President, Gerhard Pürstl, avoided giving such recommendations but made it clear that while the immediate threat was minimized, an "abstract danger" still remained.
The arrested suspect, along with another individual, was apprehended by the police in relation to the terrorism threat. Various media outlets suggested that other potential accomplices are still being sought by authorities.
