Swifties in Vienna are facing disappointment as Taylor Swift’s much-anticipated Eras Tour concerts have been canceled following the discovery of a terrorist plot.
The Incident
Three Taylor Swift shows set for this week at Vienna’s Ernst Happel Stadium have been called off. Austrian concert promoter Barracuda Music confirmed the cancellation, citing government officials’ confirmation of the planned terrorist attack. The plot was reportedly linked to ISIS, with two men arrested in connection to the scheme.
Details of the Plot
The suspects included a 19-year-old from Ternitz, who had pledged allegiance to ISIS, and another unidentified man. The 19-year-old’s home was raided, leading to the discovery of various chemicals and substances intended for the attack. During the raid, residents of Ternitz were evacuated, and roads were closed.
Authorities’ Response
Vienna State Police Director Franz Ruf and Police Chief Gerhard Purstl stated that the suspects had been radicalized online and had specific plans for the attack. While the immediate threat was neutralized, authorities cited ongoing safety concerns as the reason for the concert cancellations.
Suspects’ Background and Actions
More details are emerging about the suspects’ alleged actions leading up to their arrests. The 19-year-old suspect reportedly quit his job in June and changed his appearance, telling people he had something big planned. Authorities found counterfeit cash and a blue police light for his car, presumably to gain better access to the arena’s periphery. CNN reports he planned to kill himself during the attack either in a standoff with police or via an explosion.
Interestingly, CNN reports that a 15-year-old who was detained may have just known about the plot without actively participating in its planning. The 17-year-old suspect, who broke up with his girlfriend recently—possibly triggering his radicalization—was employed at Ernst Happel Stadium just days before the scheduled shows, potentially to better position himself for the attack. He was arrested outside the venue.
Fan Impact
Ticketholders will receive refunds within the next 10 days. The cancellation has left fans disheartened, especially given the recent terror-related disruption at Morgan Wallen’s concert in Kansas City, which also involved threats tied to Swift.
Tour Continuation
Swift’s Eras Tour will proceed with its international leg, next heading to London before returning to Canada. Despite the cancellations, Swift remains committed to ensuring her fans’ safety at all future performances.
Taking Swift Action
Authorities are confident they’ve minimized the immediate threat, but the shows were canceled due to the “abstract” threat of attack. The main suspect, the 19-year-old, has fully confessed to the attack plans, with authorities stating he felt it morally “right to kill infidels.” All three suspects were radicalized online in the last month.
Final Notes
Nearly 200,000 people were expected between the three shows, but Barracuda Music decided to cancel immediately, offering full refunds to disappointed fans. The Vienna Tourist Board posted a condolence message to Swifties, providing little comfort to the thousands of fans who had traveled to see the global pop sensation.
Source: CNN
