Planned Terror Attack at Taylor Swift Concert in Vienna: What You Need to Know

More details are emerging about the alleged planned terror attack Taylor Swift‘s coming Vienna The Eras Tour concerts.

Swift was scheduled to perform three shows at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna from August 8 to August 10 before authorities heard about the alleged threats. The shows were then canceled as two suspects were arrested in connection with the case.

“Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour Vienna shows [have been] canceled due to confirmation by government officials of a planned terrorist attack,” reads a statement from concert promoters Barracuda Music. “With confirmation from government officials about a planned terrorist attack at the Ernst Happel Stadium, we have no choice but to cancel the three games scheduled for everyone’s safety.”

The threat comes a month after two children were stabbed to death at a Swift-themed dance class. Swift addressed the incident with an emotional message on social media.

“The horror of yesterday’s attack in Southport washes over me, and I am completely shocked,” he wrote on his Instagram Story in July. “The loss of life and innocence, and the terrible trauma it caused to everyone who was there, the families and the first responders. These were the little kids in dance class. I am at a loss as to how to convey my sadness to these families.”

Swift doesn’t have to deal with canceled shows in Vienna yet. Keep scrolling for information released by authorities about the terrorist threat:

How Was the Attack Revealed?

Concert promoter Barracuda Music confirmed on August 7 that credible government intelligence about a “planned terrorist attack” in the area had led to the cancellation of all three concerts. Vienna State Police Director Franz Ruf and Police Chief Gerhard Purstl confirmed the arrest of two suspects that day.

One of the men arrested was a 19-year-old suspected of collaborating with ISIS. According to authorities, there were specific plans to attack Swift’s concert.

Will Vienna Threat Affect Taylor Swift’s London Shows?

The Vienna show marks the first time Swift has canceled an Eras Tour performance since the tour began in March 2023. UK Police Minister Diana Johnson announced on August 7 that British police are keeping an intelligence watch over the alleged attack in the capital but there are currently no plans to cancel Swift’s upcoming shows. (The singer has five concerts scheduled at Wembley between August 15 and August 20.)

“It is clear that the police will be looking at all the things that affect intelligence and decision-making, they are putting themselves at the risk of checking all the events that happen in the country, and that is the police’s business,” Johnson said according to the report. The Independent.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police of London provided more information, sharing in a statement, “London plays host to many high-profile events each year with millions of visitors having a safe and enjoyable experience. The Met is working closely with local security teams and other partners to ensure appropriate security and policing arrangements are in place.”

The statement concluded: “There is no indication that the matters being investigated by the Austrian authorities will have an impact on future events here in London.” As always, we will continue to keep any new information carefully updated. “

What Has Been Revealed About the Motives and Suspects Behind the Planned Attacks?

Officials revealed on August 8 that the main suspect began planning his attacks in July. He allegedly posted online a pledge of allegiance to the current leader of the Islamic State group. Based on the raid on the suspect’s home, he planned to use knives or improvised explosive devices.

The second suspect was also inspired by the Islamic State group and al-Qaeda, according to Austrian authorities. I The Associated Press Officials reported that one of the two admitted to planning to “kill more people outside the concert venue.”

“He wanted to attack in an area outside the stadium, killing many people using knives or using explosives he had made,” said the head of the State Security and Intelligence Unit. Omar Haijawi-Pirchner about the main suspect’s plans, noting that the young man had “published openly on the side of the Islamic State and thinks it is right to kill infidels.”

Is Someone Arrested for Planning an Attack?

Due to Austrian privacy laws, the names of the suspects have not been released publicly. However, three people have been arrested in connection with this attack.

Austrian Minister of the Interior Gerhard Karner they thought that the failed attack was planned for August 7 or August 9. The second suspect – 17 years old – was hired a few days earlier by a company that provides services at the concert venue. The two men who did not have tickets to the concert were arrested by special police near the stadium.

The interior minister confirmed that no other suspects were being considered at the time. However, a 15-year-old boy who is connected to both suspects has been questioned by the authorities.

“The situation was critical, the situation was very serious,” Karner said, according to Karner AP. “But we can also say: Disaster averted.”

A third suspect in connection with the planned attack was arrested on August 9, Karner confirmed. An 18-year-old girl “emerges from the social scene” as the main suspect, he told the AP.

“He has been in contact with the perpetrator, but is not directly connected to the plans for the attack,” Karner’s statement continued. “But, as it was discovered a few days ago, he pledged allegiance specifically to IS on August 6.”