OAN Staff Abril Elfi
12:55 PM – Wednesday, August 7, 2024
UPDATE 1:40 P.M.: Austria authorities have announced that Taylor Swift’s three concerts in Vienna have been canceled.
Advertisement
The decision comes following the news of two people who were arrested in suspicion of planning alleged terrorist attacks in the area.
“With confirmation from government officials of a planned terrorist attack at Ernst Happel Stadium, we have no choice but to cancel the three scheduled shows for everyone’s safety,” Barracuda music said in a post on social media.
Two suspects were recently arrested, and one of whom had been allegedly planning an Islamist terrorist attack in Vienna, Austria’s capital, as well as upcoming coordinated attacks at more than one Taylor Swift concert.
On Wednesday, authorities said that a 19-year-old suspect with ties to ISIS was arrested in Ternitz, south of Vienna, and the second suspect was arrested in Vienna.
Public Security Director of Austria’s Interior Ministry Franz Ruf stated that authorities were aware of “preparatory actions” for a “possible attack.“
Ruf also highlighted that at least one of the suspects had pinpointed Taylor Swift concerts as a viable option for orchestrating the attacks.
According to Ruf, the 19-year-old suspect had taken an oath of allegiance to The Islamic State.
It’s believed that the second suspect radicalized himself online. Ruf stated that toxic chemical materials had been secured from a residence and that they were undergoing assessment.
Swift is scheduled to have concerts at Vienna’s Ernst Happel Stadium on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday as part of her “Eras Tour.”
Ruf noted that security measures for the concerts will now be stepped up. He also said that there would be a special focus on entry checks and that concert-goers should still remain cautious while they enjoy their time at the show.
Stay informed! Receive breaking news blasts directly to your inbox for free. Subscribe here. https://www.oann.com/alerts
Advertisements below