Taylor Swift's Vienna Eras Tour concerts cancelled due to terrorist threat

Austrian police arrested 2 individuals suspected of plotting a terrorist attack during Taylor Swift's Vienna concerts.

Taylor Swift's highly anticipated concerts in Vienna, scheduled for August 8, 9, and 10, have been abruptly cancelled following the arrest of two individuals suspected of plotting a terrorist attack. The announcement came on Wednesday from Barracuda Music, the event organizer, citing confirmation from government officials of a credible threat.

"We have no choice but to cancel the three scheduled shows for everyone's safety," the statement read.

The arrests took place on Wednesday morning, with a 19-year-old Austrian citizen apprehended first, followed by another suspect later in the day. Austrian police identified the 19-year-old as a Daesh sympathizer who had pledged allegiance to the group's leader in early July. Authorities believe the suspects had taken concrete steps towards executing an 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 radicalized online. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of their plans and any additional threats.

Vienna's head of police, Gerhard Purstl, emphasized 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.