Taylor Swift's Vienna shows cancelled due to security threat

Austrian authorities confirmed arrests linked to a terrorist plot, leading to cancellation of three Vienna concerts

Taylor Swift's highly anticipated concerts in Vienna, scheduled for this week, have been cancelled after Austrian police arrested two individuals suspected of planning a terrorist attack. The announcement was made on Wednesday by Barracuda Music, the event organiser.

Swift was set to perform at Vienna's Ernst Happel Stadium on August 8, 9, and 10. However, Barracuda Music confirmed the cancellations via social media, citing government officials' confirmation of a planned attack. "We have no choice but to cancel the three scheduled shows for everyone's safety," the statement read.

The arrests occurred on Wednesday morning, involving a 19-year-old Austrian citizen and another suspect detained later in the day. Austrian police identified the 19-year-old as Daesh sympathiser who had pledged allegiance to the group's leader in early July. Authorities believe the suspects had taken concrete steps towards executing a terrorist attack and suspect that explosives were stored at the 19-year-old's residence in Ternitz, Lower Austria. Chemical substances found at the suspect's home are currently under evaluation.

Details about the second suspect remain undisclosed, but both individuals are believed to have been radicalised online. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of their plans and any additional threats.

Vienna's head of police, Gerhard Purstl, highlighted the potential risk, noting that approximately 65,000 people were expected to attend each of Swift's concerts, with an additional 22,000 fans anticipated outside the venue.

The decision to cancel the concerts underscores the severity of the threat and the priority placed on ensuring the safety of attendees and the general public.