Terror plot foiled, Taylor Swift cancels sold-out Vienna concerts
Taylor Swift's Austrian concerts have been canceled after police thwarted a terrorist attack. Two young men have been detained. "If radical Islamists had carried out their insane plans, it would have been a catastrophe of almost unimaginable proportions," reported the portal Kronen Zeitung. Three other suspects are still being sought.
9:01 AM EDT, August 8, 2024
The target of the terrorist attack was supposed to be one of Taylor Swift's three concerts in Vienna. The first one was set to take place on Thursday. On the eve of the event, Wednesday evening, organizers canceled all the star's performances, who had recently performed in Warsaw.
"Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour Vienna shows cancelled due to government officials confirmation of a planned terrorist attack. We have no choice but to cancel the three scheduled shows for everyone's safety. All tickets will be automatically refunded within the next 10 business days," informed the concert agency Barracuda Music.
"If radical Islamists had carried out their insane plans, it would have been a catastrophe of almost unimaginable proportions," reports the Austrian portal Kronen Zeitung.
On Wednesday morning, a 19-year-old was arrested in Ternitz, Lower Austria. The reason for the detention was the suspicion that the man had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State a few weeks ago. During the investigation, chemicals were secured and are currently being examined. During the police operation in Ternitz, nearby residents were evacuated.
Also on Wednesday, a second person was reported arrested in connection with the planned attack in Vienna. According to the Austrian portal Kurier, the second detainee is a 17-year-old. The portal also reported that three other suspects are still being sought.
"According to the police, both detainees were radicalized online. They organized their insane act via an encrypted messenger," reports the portal Kronen Zeitung.
Initially, Austrian police announced they would intensify security measures at Taylor Swift's Vienna concerts. Ultimately, however, they decided to cancel the event completely.
Tickets for the three concerts were completely sold out. At each performance, approximately 65,000 fans of the American star were expected to attend. Ticket fees are to be refunded to buyers within 10 days. It has not been announced whether the Austrian concerts will be rescheduled for another date.
The Governor of Lower Austria, Johanna Mikl-Leitner, thanked the investigators for preventing a potential attack. However, she added that this situation is a "success for radical Islamists." "Any success of these despicable terrorists is a step backward for our civilized world - and this is unacceptable! Not an inch for these Islamic extremists!" she stated.
