Taylor Swift concert in Vienna canceled after attack threat

Three upcoming Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna have been canceled due to a potential security threat.

The shows, part of Swift’s Eras tour, are scheduled to take place Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Ernst Happel Stadium.

Two people were arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of planning Islamist attacks on major events in the area around the Austrian capital.

A statement from the organisers said: “Due to government officials confirming a planned terrorist attack at the Ernst Happel Stadium, we have had no choice but to cancel three planned shows for everyone’s safety.”

“All tickets will be automatically refunded within the next 10 business days,” the statement added.

Earlier, Austrian Public Security Director General Franz Ruf said a 19-year-old Austrian citizen was arrested on Wednesday morning in Ternitz in the province of Lower Austria.

He said a second arrest took place in Vienna in the afternoon, but did not provide further details about the suspect.

“According to the current state of the investigation, the two suspects were radicalized through the internet,” Mr. Ruf said.

The 19-year-old had “pledged allegiance” to the Islamic State group in early July, he said.

A major police operation was carried out in Ternitz, where the 19-year-old lived. Several nearby homes were evacuated while his home was searched.

Mr Ruf said chemicals had been found and were being tested.

Vienna’s police chief, Gerhard Pürstl, said about 65,000 people were expected to attend the concert each day, as well as 22,000 fans outside the venue.

The investigation is ongoing.

Molly Surette, who lives in Leeds, UK, was eagerly looking forward to attending the show on Saturday with friends after buying tickets more than a year ago.

“When she first announced her European tour, I signed up. [to try and get tickets] “For as many days as possible,” she told the BBC.

“We have been looking forward to it for a long time.”

The group was making friendship bracelets — bracelets that fans brought to shows to exchange with each other during the tour — when they heard the shows were canceled.

“There has been a lot of preparation for this concert and the Eras tour is a unique event to attend,” said Molly.

“And I missed that. So I’m very disappointed. I guess I’ll watch the recording!

“But I’m glad because hopefully everyone is safe.”