Three scheduled shows on Taylor Swift‘s Eras tour in Vienna, Austria, have been canceled following the arrests on Wednesday of two men who, authorities say, were planning to execute terror attacks at multiple locations in the city.
“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,” the official ticketing agency shared in a statement. “All tickets will be automatically refunded within the next 10 business days.”
The concerts were scheduled from Aug. 8 through 10. Initially, it was reported that the shows would continue as planned with increased security. Police officials had stated that “the concrete danger has been minimized,” according to NBC News. Details are still emerging regarding the threat, which was addressed broadly in a news conference from Vienna State Police Director Franz Ruf and Police Chief Gerhard Purstl.
Chemical substances were discovered after authorities took into custody a 19-year-old who allegedly pledged allegiance to ISIS after being radicalized online. The other man who was arrested is also said to have an allegiance to the terrorist group. According to Ruf, the substances retrieved from the 19-year-old are currently being evaluated, likely to determine whether they were meant to be used for the purposes of constructing a bomb.
One man was arrested in Vienna, while the 19-year-old — considered to be the main suspect — was detained in a town south of the capital called Ternitz. No additional details regarding the matter have been shared from officials.
Ernst Happel Stadium holds a capacity of more than 50,000 attendees. All three shows Swift was set to play this week are sold out. The performances were the musician’s last planned appearances until October when she returns to North America for the final leg of the Eras tour.
This article was updated to reflect Swift’s shows were subsequently canceled following the foiled terrorist attempt.
From Rolling Stone US
