Taylor Swift has cancelled three of her upcoming concerts in Vienna following a possible security threat.
The shows which were part of Swift’s Eras tour, had been due to take place on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the Ernst Happel Stadium.
However, on Wednesday, two people were arrested on suspicion of planning attacks inspired by the Islamic State group on large events in the Austrian capital.
A statement from the organisers said: “Due to confirmation by government officials of a planned terrorist attack at the Ernst Happel Stadium, we have no choice but to cancel the three planned shows for everyone’s safety.”
Also, the statement added: “All tickets will be automatically refunded within the next 10 working days.”
Earlier, Austria’s General Director for Public Security, Franz Ruf, said a 19-year-old Austrian citizen had been arrested on Wednesday morning in Ternitz in the province of Lower Austria.
He said a second arrest took place in Vienna in the afternoon, but gave no further details about the suspect.
“According to the current status of the investigation, the two suspects became radicalised via the internet.”
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Rauf said the 19-year-old made “an oath of allegiance” to so-called Islamic State at the beginning of July.
In Ternitz, where the 19-year-old lived, a large police operation took place.
His home was searched while nearby houses were evacuated.
According to BBC, Mr Ruf said chemical substances had been found and were being examined.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said in a post on X that the cancellations would be a “bitter disappointment for all fans” but that the situation had been “very serious”.
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“Thanks to the intensive cooperation of our police and [security agencies] with foreign services, the threat was recognized early, combated and a tragedy prevented.”
According to Vienna head of police, Gerhard Pürstl, 65,000 people per day had been expected to attend the concerts, as well as 22,000 fans outside the venue.
Investigations are ongoing.
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