What we know about the cancellation of Taylor Swift concerts
In Vienna, the shock runs deep that an Islamist intended to cause a bloodbath at a Taylor Swift concert in recent days and was already well advanced in his preparations. While the disappointment among the many young fans of the US singer over the missed concert is huge, they are also shaken by what could have happened. The threat of terrorism at large events is once again close at hand. Here are some questions and answers about the sensitive events.
Why are large concerts becoming a target?
Perpetrators seek maximum attention and as many victims as possible, who have come together to celebrate and may have set aside security concerns or precautions. "Large concerts are often a preferred target of Islamic attackers," said Austria's Interior Minister Gerhard Karner. He referred, among other things, to the attack on the Bataclan concert hall in Paris in 2015, where 130 people were murdered. And also to Manchester, where 22 concertgoers were killed in 2017 at a concert by singer Ariana Grande. In March, 140 people also fell victim to an attack at a concert by a Russian band in a Moscow suburb.
What is the terror threat level in Austria?
After the devastating attacks by the terrorist Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, with 1200 deaths, the second-highest terror alert level is in effect in Austria. This means increased vigilance by authorities and security measures at events. The destruction of the Israeli war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip also fuels the willingness to use violence among many young people. Vienna experienced a terrorist rampage in 2020, in which an attacker killed four people and injured 23 others, some seriously. He was shot by the police.
There is no increased danger for the upcoming Coldplay concerts in the same stadium, the organizer Live Nation said. "We should try to stay calm and not further heat up the situation with speculation," it said. "All fans can assume that the safety of visitors, employees and artists always takes precedence." There are also no concrete indications of a specific threat for the Frequency Festival in St. Pölten starting next Wednesday, according to the police.
How big is IS still?
The main suspect in the Vienna attack has sworn allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) terrorist organization. IS, with its various regional offshoots, still poses a significant threat. After its military defeat in Iraq in 2017 and in Syria in 2019, the terrorist network was able to recruit fewer followers for a time. However, the situation has changed again in the meantime. Above all, radicalized lone attackers and small terrorist cells, which are harder to detect, are dangerous - also in Europe.
"The risk of jihadist attacks is as high as it has been for a long time," said the President of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, Thomas Haldenwang, in June. He named various reasons. Although IS and the Islamic Taliban are opponents, the takeover of power by the Taliban in Afghanistan has overall promoted the jihadist idea, according to the assessment of the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution. Other reinforcing factors are Quran burnings in Scandinavia and the Israeli military operation against the Islamic Hamas in the Gaza Strip, said Haldenwang.
Are there any current concrete danger situations in Germany?
No, but the abstract danger remains high. Security authorities are intervening at an earlier stage today than they did ten years ago. This is also a lesson learned from the terrorist attack on a Berlin Christmas market in 2016. In June and July of this year, several suspected IS sympathizers were arrested in Germany, including a young man with German-Moroccan-Polish citizenship. He had unsuccessfully applied for jobs as a steward and security personnel at large events, including a music festival and events during the European Football Championship outside the stadiums. He was rejected because the security authorities had him on their radar due to suspected sympathies for the terrorist group Islamic State Province Khorasan (ISPK). The man was arrested at Cologne/Bonn Airport as he was trying to leave the country.
In response to the cancellation of Taylor Swift's concerts in Vienna, Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser referred to the continued high terror threat in Germany. "The current investigations in Vienna show how seriously the threat of Islamist terrorism in Europe must be taken," said the SPD politician to the Funke media group. "Our security authorities are closely exchanging information with the Austrian authorities." The threat level from Islamist terrorism remains high in Germany, Faeser said. "That was one of the reasons why we, together with the federal states, have taken strong protective measures for the European Football Championship in Germany."
What is known about the suspects in Vienna?
The main suspect, a 19-year-old IS sympathizer, has since confessed fully. A 17-year-old was also arrested. While no further suspects are currently being sought, investigations around the duo are ongoing at full speed, according to Franz Ruf, Director General for Public Security in the Ministry of the Interior.
The plan of the two young men, according to authorities, was to kill themselves and a large number of people with explosives and stabbing weapons on either Thursday or Friday, said Omar Haijawi-Pirchner, head of the Directorate for State Security and Intelligence (DSN) in the Federal Ministry of the Interior. The main suspect did not have a ticket for one of the three concerts at the Ernst Happel Stadium in the Wiener Prater, it was reported.
How did the authorities proceed?
On Wednesday, the police arrested the 19-year-old and the 17-year-old and also interrogated a 15-year-old. Both had contact with the 19-year-old. The 19-year-old Austrian with family roots in the Balkans had quit his job on July 25, saying he had something big planned, the police said. He then intensively prepared for a planned attack. "He changed his appearance noticeably and adapted to IS standards," said Ruf. The 17-year-old had separated from his girlfriend in preparation for the attack. Both suspects showed a clear social change.
The 17-year-old is employed by a company that supplies spectators at the Happel Stadium. He was arrested on Wednesday as he was on his way to the stadium, where he was apprehended by special police forces just before the stadium. He has so far remained silent about the allegations. A 15-year-old with Turkish roots is also in police custody and is being intensively questioned. He is suspected of at least knowing about the 19-year-old's terror plans. The extent of his involvement is the subject of ongoing investigations.
During a search of the living spaces of the 19-year-old in Ternitz south of Vienna, chemical substances and technical devices were secured that indicated "concrete preparatory actions," Ruf continued. In addition, a police blue light and an acoustic police horn were found. They were possibly intended to help the suspect reach or flee the crime scene.
How is Austria's politics reacting?
The parties see a need for clarification. The Social Democratic SPÖ demanded the convening of the National Security Council. The public is being kept in the dark as to whether there is still an actual threat situation. The liberal NEOS, on the other hand, called for a situation meeting at the Chancellery. NEOS leader Beate Meinl-Reisinger is also concerned about the reputation of the Alpine Republic. "I fear the damage to Austria and Vienna's image is enormous. In Paris, Berlin, London, Munich, ... everywhere, organizers and security authorities can hold concerts. Not here? Are we that run-down?", she wrote on X. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner (ÖVP) said at a press conference that the intervention of the investigators had prevented a tragedy. "The situation was serious, the situation is serious."
How is London preparing for the upcoming Swift concerts?
British Police State Secretary Diana Johnson said the London police would review all available information before Taylor Swift returns to the UK for a series of concerts. A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said there were no reports of anything remarkable regarding Swift, but they would keep the public informed. London Mayor Sadiq Khan said the city was sticking to the planned concerts with Swift. "We have a lot of experience in policing such events," Khan said. "We've learned a lot after the terrible attack in Manchester."
What are Swift fans saying?
"Safety first" - many express themselves similarly on social media. Nevertheless, many fans are devastated. A German family traveled from California specifically because they could only get tickets for the Swift concert in Vienna for their daughter. The daughter has been a loyal Swift fan for ten years and has been looking forward to the concert for a year, her mother reported. The family planned their entire European trip around the concert and "spent thousands of euros on completely overpriced hotels in Vienna."
Some "Swifties," as the singer's fans call themselves, called for a party on social media anyway. On Instagram, someone suggested wearing the planned concert outfit and posting small dance videos to Swift songs with the hashtag #viennaswifties. "We're making social media shine," it said. "It's a great day to be alive at the same time as Taylor Swift."
Will fans who cancel their trip to Vienna get their costs refunded?
The cost of the tickets will be refunded, but most will likely be stuck with hotel and flight costs. In individual cases, those affected should look at the cancellation terms of the provider. "I estimate that many have chosen non-refundable tariffs and are now stuck with the costs," said travel law expert Karolina Wojtal from the European Consumer Centre. Those who booked a package with concert tickets, hotel, and travel may have better chances of refund. The Austrian Railways wanted to refund directly purchased tickets for travel to the concerts "out of goodwill."
Will the organizer be left with their costs?
The organizer may be left with their costs, as they may not be able to recoup the expenses incurred for the event.
Barracuda Music has assured fans that tickets will be refunded within ten days. Regarding the costs for stadium rental, security services, and more, event organizers typically take out cancellation insurance, according to Johannes Everke, CEO of the Federal Association of the Concert and Event Industry e.V. "Such insurance covers damages and losses due to the cancellation or failure of an event, provided the organizer is not at fault." Terrorism risk is among the insurable risks.
Despite the attempted attack at a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna, there have been no concrete indications of a specific threat for her upcoming concerts in London. Security authorities are vigilant and intervening at an earlier stage than they did ten years ago, as demonstrated by the arrest of several suspected IS sympathizers in Germany this year.
The cancellation of Taylor Swift's concerts in Vienna due to security concerns has left many fans disappointed and some out of pocket, as they may not be able to recoup costs for non-refundable hotel and flight bookings.
