Washington [US], August 8: "With confirmation from government officials of a planned terrorist attack at the Ernst Happel Stadium, we have no choice but to cancel three scheduled shows for everyone's safety," Barracuda Music announced on August 7.
Earlier, Austrian authorities arrested a 19-year-old man on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack targeting a concert by American singer Taylor Swift . The suspect is an Austrian citizen and has pledged allegiance to the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS). Franz Ruf, director general of public security at the Austrian Interior Ministry, said chemicals were found at the suspect's home.
Austria also arrested a second suspect, believed to be in contact with the 19-year-old. According to initial investigations, both suspects expressed extremist views on the internet.
Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concerts have been met with overwhelming support from fans, with many taking to social media to express their regret at having waited months for the event.
The three shows from August 9 to 11 were originally expected to attract more than 170,000 people. The organizers said audiences would be refunded their tickets.
Writing on social network X, Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer expressed his regret for the cancellation of Taylor Swift's concert to his Austrian fans. "The situation surrounding the carefully planned terrorist attack in Vienna is very serious," he wrote.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper