Taylor Swift`s Vienna Concerts Cancelled Due to Security Threat

Three upcoming Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna have been cancelled due to a potential security threat. The concerts, part of Swift`s Eras tour, were scheduled for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the Ernst Happel Stadium. On Wednesday, two individuals were arrested on suspicion of planning Islamist attacks on large events near the Austrian capital. Organizers released a statement saying, "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." The statement also noted that "All tickets will be automatically refunded within the next 10 working days." Austria’s General Director for Public Security, Franz Ruf, reported that a 19-year-old Austrian citizen was arrested on Wednesday morning in Ternitz, Lower Austria. A second arrest took place in Vienna later that day. Ruf mentioned that the suspects were radicalized online and that the 19-year-old had pledged allegiance to the so-called Islamic State in early July. A police operation in Ternitz led to the evacuation of several houses while the suspect`s home was searched, uncovering chemical substances currently under examination. Vienna`s police chief, Gerhard Pürstl, noted that 65,000 attendees per day were expected at the concerts, along with 22,000 fans outside the venue. Investigations are ongoing.