Three Taylor Swift concerts in Austria have been cancelled due to terrorist threats. Two men have been arrested in the country on suspicion of planning attacks at mass events near Vienna.
“We have no choice but to cancel the three planned concerts for everyone’s safety,” the organizer wrote on his Instagram channel.
The pop star’s concerts were scheduled to take place in Vienna on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Police have stepped up security measures ahead of the events that have attracted thousands of the singer’s fans.
On Wednesday, two men suspected of trying to organize a terrorist attack were arrested. A 19-year-old Austrian man was arrested in Ternitz, Lower Austria. The second arrest took place in the afternoon, but Austrian authorities did not provide details.
According to the information we have gathered, both suspects were radicalized through the Internet – said Franz Ruf, director of public security. He added that the detained 19-year-old swore allegiance to the Islamic State in July.
A major police operation was organized in Ternitz. Dangerous chemicals were found in the suspect’s home and residents of nearby buildings were evacuated.
Taylor Swift was scheduled to perform at the Ernst-Happel Stadium in Vienna. 65,000 fans were expected at each of her shows.
