The Vienna segment of Taylor Swift's tour has been called off due to security concerns linked to the arrest of a Daesh supporter allegedly plotting an attack, according to the event organizers. Earlier, authorities had apprehended a 19-year-old with alleged ties to the militant group, who was reportedly targeting Swift's upcoming concerts in Vienna. "Given the confirmed threat of a terrorist attack at Ernst Happel Stadium, we must cancel the scheduled performances for the safety of all," Barracuda Music announced on Instagram. They also assured that all ticket buyers would be refunded. Each of the three planned concerts was expected to draw around 65,000 attendees.
The suspect, who had recently pledged allegiance to Daesh, was arrested in Lower Austria, close to the capital. Security chief Franz Ruf revealed at a press conference that the suspect had focused on Swift's concerts and that chemical substances were found at his residence. A second individual believed to be in contact with the suspect was also detained in Vienna. Both suspects are believed to have radicalized online. Despite heightened security measures, including the deployment of special units, the concerts were canceled due to the confirmed threat.
In the official Swift fan group on WhatsApp, the cancellation announcement led to widespread panic, with administrators struggling to manage the influx of messages. Fans expressed their shock and disappointment, with some having traveled long distances for the event. Conservative Chancellor Karl Nehammer described the cancellation as a "bitter disappointment" for fans, acknowledging the serious nature of the threat that was thwarted.
Swift's "Eras" Tour, which kicked off in Europe in Paris, was set to arrive in Vienna, having already made significant economic impacts in various European countries. The tour, which is projected to generate over 100 million euros in Austria alone, has already surpassed $1 billion in ticket sales and is expected to double that by its conclusion in Vancouver this December. This cancellation comes after a previous Daesh-related attack in Vienna in 2020 that resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries.
