Taylor Swift’s Vienna Concerts Canceled Due to Terrorist Threat

The highly anticipated Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna have been canceled following the arrest of a 19-year-old Islamic State (IS) sympathizer, who was allegedly plotting an Islamist attack targeting the events. The decision to cancel the shows was announced by Barracuda Music, the event organizers, on Wednesday.

Authorities in Austria have confirmed that the suspect, who recently pledged allegiance to IS, was arrested early Wednesday in Lower Austria, approximately an hour from Vienna. Austrian security chief Franz Ruf revealed that the man had been planning an attack and had specifically focused on Taylor Swift’s concerts, which were scheduled for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at Ernst Happel Stadium.

The organizers announced on Instagram that the cancellation was made to ensure public safety after receiving confirmation from government officials about the planned terrorist threat. Each concert was expected to attract around 65,000 attendees. Barracuda Music assured that all ticket holders would receive a full refund for the canceled shows.

In addition to the main suspect, a second individual, who is believed to have been in contact with him, was also arrested in Vienna. Investigations have shown that both suspects radicalized themselves through online activities. Chemical substances were reportedly found at the suspect’s residence, indicating the seriousness of the threat.

This incident follows a tragic event in November 2020 when a convicted IS supporter carried out a shooting attack in Vienna, resulting in four deaths and 23 injuries. This attack marked the first deadly jihadist assault in Austria.