VIENNA : Taylor Swift’s concerts in Vienna were called off by organizers after Austrian police foiled a terror plot linked to Islamic State. Austrian authorities said in a statement late Wednesday that they had arrested two men, a 19-year-old in the Austrian town of Ternitz and a second man in Vienna, who were preparing to carry out a terror attack.
“Both suspects had become radicalized on the internet and had taken concrete preparatory actions for a terrorist attack,” the ministry of the interior and the Vienna State Police said.
The main suspect had sworn an oath of allegiance to IS on the internet and chemical substances were seized in his apartment during a house search,” the authorities added.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer acknowledged the “bitter disappointment” the canceled concerts would bring for Swift’s fans, but added that “the situation surrounding the apparently planned terrorist attack in Vienna was very serious.” Nehammer said “the threat was recognized early, combated and a tragedy prevented.”
Pop star Swift was supposed to play three shows in Austria as part of the European leg of her sell-out Eras tour.
Organizers said Wednesday that the shows had been canceled as a precaution in response to the terror threat.
“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,” Barracuda Music said in a statement on Instagram.
Barracuda added that all ticket holders would be refunded. A notice on Swift’s official website says refunds will be processed “within the next 10 business days.”
Ernst Happel Stadium is Austria’s largest concert venue, seating over 50,000. Vienna was the second-to-last stop on Swift’s European tour. She is set to perform at London’s Wembley Stadium next week before jetting off to Canada.