Three Taylor Swift concerts on the European leg of her Eras tour have been canceled following a narrowly thwarted ISIS plot targeting her shows in Vienna. The decision to cancel the sold-out performances scheduled for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday was announced by her Austrian show promoter, Barracuda.
In an Instagram post, the promoter stated, “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.”
Law enforcement sources revealed that a 19-year-old suspect, residing with his parents in Ternitz, just south of Vienna, was arrested early Wednesday morning during a police raid. A second suspect was apprehended later that afternoon. Authorities have also warned of potential additional threats related to the foiled plot.
A bomb squad discovered various chemicals and substances at the home, which could potentially be used to make explosives, prompting the evacuation of the residence. The 19-year-old suspect, an Austrian national, is believed to have pledged allegiance to the Islamic terror group in July. Along with the other suspect, he is thought to have been radicalized online.
Both individuals had been monitored by Austrian authorities and were identified as known risks before their arrest, according to US officials cited by NBC News. The 19-year-old had allegedly bought some of the chemicals needed to create a bomb but had not yet acquired all the necessary components.
Officials noted that it was unlikely he would have been able to assemble a bomb in time for the concerts this week. However, they decided to make the arrests to prevent any potential attack if the suspects found alternative methods. As a result, security measures at the concerts have been significantly increased.
* The New York Post contributed to this article.