Vienna’s Ernst Happel Stadium was set to host three Taylor Swift performances this week, but the concerts were canceled when authorities arrested two men on Wednesday who were allegedly planning to carry out terrorist attacks at multiple locations across the city, including the pop star’s concert.
“We have no choice but to cancel the three scheduled shows for everyone’s safety,” a message from Barracuda Music said. “All tickets will be automatically refunded.” A 19-year-old Austrian citizen was found in possession of dangerous chemicals, and according to major media reports, he pledged allegiance to ISIS by “radicalizing himself online.” The other man arrested is also believed to be a follower of the terrorist group.
Details are still emerging about the threat, which was addressed at length at a press conference by Vienna State Police Director Franz Ruf and Police Chief Gerhard Purstl. According to Ruf, the substances recovered from the 19-year-old are currently being evaluated, presumably to determine whether they were intended to be used to build a bomb.
A man was arrested in Vienna, while the 19-year-old believed to be the prime suspect was held in a town south of the capital called Ternitz. No further details on the matter were shared by officials. The Ernst Happel Stadium has a capacity of more than 50,000 spectators. All three shows were sold out.
