VIENNA, Austria (Diya TV) — Three Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna have been abruptly canceled following the arrest of two teenagers accused of plotting a terrorist attack inspired by the Islamic State (ISIS). The suspects, aged 19 and 17, were allegedly planning to target Swift’s sold-out performances at the Ernst Happel Stadium, where up to 95,000 fans were expected to gather each night.
The arrests were made after Austrian authorities, aided by international intelligence agencies, discovered bomb-making materials and ISIS propaganda at the suspects’ homes. According to the Directorate of State Security and Intelligence in Vienna, the 19-year-old suspect had been planning the attack since July and confessed to wanting to “kill as many people as possible” outside the concert venue. The 17-year-old, who had recently been employed by a company providing services at the venue, was detained near the stadium by special forces.
In a statement, Barracuda Music, the concert promoter, announced the cancellation of the shows, citing the safety of all involved. “With confirmation from government officials of a planned terrorist attack at Ernst Happel Stadium, we have no choice but to cancel the three scheduled shows for everyone’s safety,” the statement read. Tickets will be refunded within 10 days.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer defended the decision, emphasizing that public safety must take precedence. “While it is a bitter disappointment for fans, the swift action by our security forces has prevented a potential tragedy,” Nehammer said in a news conference.
The thwarted attack has reignited concerns over the security of large-scale public events, particularly in Europe, where music venues have been targets of terrorist attacks in the past. This incident follows a history of attacks on high-profile concerts, such as the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing during an Ariana Grande concert, which killed 22 people.
The suspects in this case, both Austrian citizens with ties to North Macedonia and Turkey, had become radicalized online, according to Vienna State Police Director Franz Ruf. The 19-year-old suspect reportedly quit his job in late July, telling others he had “big plans.” The raid on his home in Ternitz uncovered chemicals and devices intended for use in the attack. The 17-year-old’s home also contained materials linked to ISIS and al-Qaida.
The attack was reportedly planned for either Thursday or Friday, coinciding with the first two of Swift’s scheduled performances. Authorities said they had no choice but to cancel all three shows, as the risk of an “abstract danger” remained, despite the arrests.
Swift, who is currently on the European leg of her record-breaking Eras Tour, has not publicly commented on the incident. However, a post on her official website confirmed the cancellations. The tour, which began in March 2023, has drawn massive crowds and generated significant economic impact in each city it visits. Vienna was expected to benefit from a similar boost before the cancellations.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan, addressing concerns about the upcoming shows at Wembley Stadium, stated that while he understands Vienna’s decision, London’s authorities are prepared to ensure safety. Swift is scheduled to perform five nights at Wembley later this month, concluding the European leg of her tour before heading to Canada.
The incident has left Swift’s fans, many of whom had traveled from across Europe to attend the Vienna shows, disappointed and shaken. Despite the heightened security risks, experts warn that mass public events will continue to be potential targets for those seeking to spread fear and chaos.
