Two Arrested as Taylor Swift Cancels Three Shows in Austria Over Terror Plot Fears
All three Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour shows in Vienna were cancelled on August 7, as the Austrian government confirmed a “planned terrorist attack,” according to event organizer Barracuda Music.
Through close cooperation between several national and local agencies, “a targeted raid was carried out this morning following the corresponding order from the Wiener Neustadt Public Prosecutor’s Office,” Director General for Public Safety, Franz Ruf said in a press conference.
Two suspects, including a 19-year-old Austrian citizen who allegedly pledged allegiance to Islamic State, were arrested on Wednesday, local media reported.
Vienna State Police Chief Gerhard Purstl announced police were implementing additional security measures ahead of the event, including additional “anti-terror components,” police service dog units, a search warrant for guests and video and aerial surveillance.
Despite these measures, the event organizer, Barracuda Music, announced the cancellation of all three shows, which were supposed to take place on August 8-10 at Ernst-Happel-Stadion.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said Barracuda Music’s decision to cancel the shows was “a bitter disappointment for all fans in Austria.”
“Islamist terrorism threatens security and freedom in many western countries,” Nehammer said. “This is precisely why we will not give up our values
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