Three Taylor Swift concerts scheduled for Vienna, Austria, have been cancelled, leaving many fans deeply disappointed. The cancellation affects not only those in Austria but also fans from neighboring countries who had planned to attend the shows.
The concerts were set to take place at the Ernst Happel Stadium, which has a capacity of around 65,000 people, with an additional 22,000 expected to attend from outside the venue. As a result, approximately 261,000 potential visitors will miss out over the next three days.
Taylor Swift has not yet commented on the cancellation, but the reason behind it is concerning. Reports indicate that the event faced a serious security threat involving a potential terrorist attack. A 19-year-old suspect, who had pledged allegiance to ISIS, was arrested at his home in Ternitz. Police discovered internet evidence of his allegiance to ISIS and a stash of chemicals, which he may have stolen from his workplace. Further suspects are being investigated, but no additional arrests have been publicly disclosed.
Austria’s Chancellor, Karl Nehammer, expressed his regret over the cancellation on X (formerly Twitter), acknowledging the necessity of prioritizing safety. He praised the collaboration between Austrian police and international services for identifying and addressing the threat. Nehammer also highlighted the growing concern about religious extremism affecting public safety and stressed the importance of upholding democratic values and vigilance against such threats.