Taylor Swift Vienna concerts cancelled after attack threat

Three scheduled Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna have been cancelled due to a potential security risk.

The concerts, part of Swift's Eras tour, were scheduled to happen on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the Ernst Happel Stadium.

On Wednesday, two individuals were taken into custody under suspicion of plotting Islamist attacks at big gatherings in the vicinity of the Austrian capital.

An announcement from the event planners explained that because government officials confirmed a scheduled terrorist attack at the Ernst Happel Stadium, they have had to cancel the three scheduled performances to ensure the safety of all guests.

The announcement also mentioned that all ticket refunds will be processed automatically within the next 10 business days.

Before, Franz Ruf, who is the General Director for Public Security in Austria, mentioned that a 19-year-old Austrian citizen was taken into custody on Wednesday morning in Ternitz, located in the province of Lower Austria.

He stated that another person was arrested in Vienna in the afternoon, but did not provide any additional information about the individual.

"Based on the latest update from the investigation, the two suspects were influenced by extremist ideologies they found online," stated Mr. Ruf.

He stated that the teenager pledged loyalty to the terrorist group known as Islamic State at the start of July.

In Ternitz, a significant police operation happened involving the 19-year-old's residence. Multiple houses in the area were cleared out as authorities searched his home.

Mr. Ruf reported the discovery of chemical substances that are currently under investigation.

Austria's leader, Karl Nehammer, expressed his disappointment on social media about the cancellations, acknowledging the severity of the situation.

Because of the strong collaboration between our local police and security partners from other countries, we were able to detect and address the threat swiftly and prevent a potential tragedy.

The chief of police in Vienna, Gerhard Pürstl, stated that they were anticipating a crowd of 65,000 individuals daily at the concerts, along with 22,000 fans outside the location.

Molly Surette, a resident of Leeds in the UK, was eagerly looking forward to going to the Saturday show with her friends. She had bought the tickets over a year ago.

"When she first mentioned her concerts in Europe, I immediately registered for as many dates as I could," she informed the BBC.

"We've been eagerly anticipating it for quite some time."

The team was crafting friendship bracelets, a popular tradition among fans at the shows, when they were informed that the tour had been canceled.

"Molly commented on the anticipation leading up to the concert and how special the Eras tour is as an event to experience," said Molly.

"I am really feeling the loss of that, so I am really upset about it. I suppose I will just have to watch the replay instead!"

"I'm happy that everyone will hopefully remain safe."