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Taylor Swift's highly anticipated concerts in Vienna have been cancelled due to a possible security threat. The shows, which were scheduled for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the Ernst Happel Stadium, were called off following the arrest of two individuals suspected of planning Islamist attacks in the region.
A statement from the event organisers read: "Due to confirmation by government officials of a planned terrorist attack at the Ernst Happel Stadium, we have no choice but to cancel the three planned shows for everyone's safety."
Austria's General Director for Public Security, Franz Ruf, reported that the first arrest, involving a 19-year-old Austrian citizen, took place on Wednesday morning in Ternitz, Lower Austria. The second arrest occurred later that afternoon in Vienna. Details about the second suspect remain undisclosed.
Ruf revealed that the suspects became radicalised through the internet, with the 19-year-old having pledged allegiance to the so-called Islamic State at the beginning of July. A significant police operation was conducted in Ternitz, resulting in the evacuation of nearby houses as authorities searched the suspect's residence, uncovering chemical substances that are currently under examination.
Gerhard Pürstl, the head of police in Vienna, stated that 65,000 attendees per day were expected at the concerts, with an additional 22,000 fans anticipated outside the venue. Investigations are ongoing as authorities continue to assess the situation.
