Three Taylor Swift concerts have been cancelled after two men were arrested in Austria in connection with an alleged terror plot targeting the events.
Austrian police have subsequently increased security measures surrounding the upcoming Taylor Swift concerts following the arrests. Federal and state police apprehended the individuals ahead of the concerts, which were set to begin on Friday.
Vienna state police director Franz Ruf confirmed that one of the suspects, a 19-year-old man, allegedly pledged allegiance to the terror group IS. His arrest occurred in the early hours of 7 August in Ternitz, Lower Austria, with another arrest taking place later in the day in Vienna.
Both men are believed to have been radicalised through the internet and reportedly had specific and detailed plans to carry out attacks. During the arrest of the 19-year-old, officers found chemical substances that are being investigated as potential bomb components. Austria’s elite ‘Cobra’ unit assisted in the arrests.
Initially, police stated there were no plans to cancel the concerts. However, due to significant security concerns, the decision was made to cancel the events. Authorities have announced increased surveillance, a heavier presence of armed officers, bomb squads, police dogs, and more extensive checks in and around the concert venues to ensure public safety.
People who were planning to attend the concerts should expect delays due to enhanced security checks as plain-clothes officers patrol the area. “The concrete danger has been minimised,” a police official stated during a press conference.
This news comes as a shock to Taylor Swift fans who had eagerly anticipated the concerts. Refunds and further information for ticket holders are expected to be released by the concert organisers in the coming days.
