Taylor Swift Vienna Concerts Canceled Amid Security Threat

Three Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna, originally scheduled for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the Ernst Happel Stadium, have been canceled due to a potential security threat. The concerts, part of Swift’s Eras tour, were called off following the arrest of two individuals suspected of planning attacks inspired by the Islamic State group on large events in Vienna.

Concert organizers released a statement saying, “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.” They assured fans that all tickets would be automatically refunded within the next 10 working days.

The arrests occurred on Wednesday, with a 19-year-old Austrian citizen taken into custody in Ternitz, Lower Austria, and a second arrest made later in Vienna. Austria’s General Director for Public Security, Franz Ruf, reported that the suspects were believed to have been radicalized online. The 19-year-old suspect had reportedly made an “oath of allegiance” to the so-called Islamic State in early July.

A significant police operation took place in Ternitz, where the young man resided, leading to the evacuation of nearby houses during a search of his home. Chemical substances were discovered and are currently being analyzed.

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer acknowledged the disappointment for fans in a statement on X, emphasizing the severity of the situation. “Thanks to the intensive cooperation of our police and [security agencies] with foreign services, the threat was recognized early, combated, and a tragedy prevented,” he said.

Vienna’s police chief, Gerhard Pürstl, noted that the concerts were expected to draw 65,000 attendees per day, with an additional 22,000 fans anticipated outside the venue. Investigations into the planned attacks are ongoing.