Two Arrested for 'Terror Plot' at Taylor Swift Concert... Concert Canceled

Two people were arrested on suspicion of plotting a terrorist attack at Taylor Swift's concert held in Vienna, Austria. The concert was immediately canceled for safety reasons.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Austria's public safety authorities announced at a press conference on the 7th (local time) that a 19-year-old suspect was arrested on suspicion of plotting a terrorist attack. The suspect, an Austrian national, was confirmed to have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) earlier last month. Chemical substances were seized from the suspect's home during a large-scale police operation. Another suspected terrorist, believed to have been in contact with him prior to the planned attack, was also arrested in Vienna on the same afternoon.

An official from the authorities explained, "According to the current investigation, the two suspects were radicalized through the internet," adding, "It was confirmed that the suspects planned to carry out a terrorist attack in Vienna, with a particular focus on Taylor Swift's concert." Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour was scheduled to take place in Vienna from the 8th to the 10th. Authorities confirmed that since each concert was expected to have an audience of approximately 65,000 people, security measures inside and outside the venue would be strengthened and security personnel deployed.

Just hours after this announcement, Taylor Swift's team decided to cancel the concerts. Barracuda Music, responsible for promoting The Eras Tour, stated, "Following confirmation of the planned terrorist attack by the Austrian government, we have no choice but to cancel the three scheduled performances for everyone's safety," adding, "All tickets will be automatically refunded within 10 days."