NBC News reported that two individuals were detained on Wednesday (based on local time) for purportedly devising terrorist plots targeting significant gatherings in Vienna, Austria, specifically Taylor Swift’s upcoming three-night concert series as part of The Eras Tour.
Taylor Swift was set to hold three back-to-back shows (August 8-10) at the biggest stadium in Austria, Ernst-Happel-Stadion. According to Austrian authorities, each concert was predicted to bring in a crowd of 65,000, with an extra 15,000 supporters outside the venue every night. Altogether, Taylor Swift’s performances in Vienna had the potential to attract approximately 240,000 fans.
According to Vienna State Police Director Franz Ruf and Police Chief Gerhard Purstl, a 19-year-old man who was arrested has allegedly pledged his allegiance to ISIS. During a recent press conference, officials stated that both men displayed indications of terrorism and extremism on social media and had developed elaborate plans for executing attacks.
Upon the arrest of the 19-year-old suspect, a bomb squad discovered chemical substances. An ongoing investigation is being conducted to determine if these substances possess the potential to create explosives. Despite this development, a police official reassured the public that the scheduled concerts will not be canceled and stated that “the threat has been minimized.”
Police revealed that they would be implementing additional security precautions at the concerts, such as deploying heavily armed teams, utilizing K-9 units, bomb squads, and tactical vehicles. Fans were advised that they should expect more rigorous security screenings than usual, as officials intended to thoroughly examine all attendees and vehicles.
Despite confirmation from government officials of planned terrorist attacks at Ernst-Happel-Stadion, Taylor Nation, Taylor Swift’s official team, has recently announced that the 3 concerts in Austria will be canceled. In their full statement, they stated that the shows will not continue for the safety of everyone involved. They have assured that all tickets will be refunded within 10 business days.
Despite the severity of the situation, Taylor Swift has refrained from commenting on it. The Eras Tour has faced security threats, causing the cancellation of concerts only in Vienna, further emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Despite recently completing three concerts in Warsaw, Poland, Taylor Swift’s upcoming three shows in Austria are in jeopardy due to an unforeseen incident. However, she will continue her tour on August 15 with five sold-out nights at Wembley Stadium in London, UK. Afterward, she will return to North America for the final leg of her two-year-long The Eras Tour.
K14 is the source.
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