Terror attack: Singer Taylor Swift cancels concerts in Vienna

Taylor Swift, an award-winning singer and songwriter from the United States, has cancelled three planned concerts in Vienna after two men were arrested for allegedly organizing terror attacks on the venues.

The Grammy-winning artist was set to play at Ernst Happel Stadium on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday as part of her ‘Eras Tour’.

“Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour Vienna shows cancelled due to government officials’ confirmation of a planned terrorist attack,” Barracuda Music, Swift’s Austrian concert promoter, posted on Instagram.

“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.”

Similarly, the singer’s official website classified the gigs in Vienna as cancelled and disclosed that tickets will be returned within the next 10 business days.

Two people were arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of plotting attacks on major events in the Austrian capital.

Franz Ruf, Austria’s interior ministry’s public security director, revealed that a “targeted raid was carried out” on a “19-year-old perpetrator”.

He further claimed that chemical ingredients were recovered from the suspect’s residence, and that the man had “pledged an oath of allegiance to the Islamic State group”.

“According to the current status of the investigation, the two suspects became radicalised via the internet,” Ruf told the BBC.

Swift claimed in a 2019 interview with Elle magazine that her biggest concern was violence at her concerts.

“I was completely terrified to go on tour this time because I didn’t know how we were going to keep 3 million fans safe over seven months,” she said while referring to both the Manchester Arena bombing and the Las Vegas mass shooting in 2017.

“There was a tremendous amount of planning, expense and effort into keeping my fans safe.”