Taylor Swift Cancels Three Vienna Concerts Due to ISIS-Inspired Terror Plot
Taylor Swift’s event team canceled three concerts in Vienna this week after an ISIS-inspired terror plot was uncovered Wednesday. Officials have arrested two suspects in the terror plot.
Discovery of Bomb-Making Materials
Austrian authorities announced Thursday that law enforcement had found bomb-making materials at the home of one of the two suspects.
Details of the Terror Plot
The plot uncovered by investigators in advance of her shows was to “kill as many people as possible outside the concert venue of Ernst Happel Stadium.”
Impact on Fans
Swift’s fans worldwide were set to attend the three sold-out concerts this week. Many paid thousands of dollars or euros to attend the concerts at the end of Swift’s Eras Tour.
Attendance and Fan Support
As many as 65,000 people planned to attend each of the three concerts in Vienna, and up to 30,000 fans were to assemble outside the venue to support the singer.
Timing of the Planned Attack
The attack that law enforcement was able to intercept would have occurred Thursday or Friday.
Confession and Radicalization
One of the two suspects, a 19-year-old, confessed to law enforcement that he planned the attack in July. He also has signed and uploaded an oath of allegiance to the Islamic State.
Statement from Omar Haijawi-Pirchner
Omar Haijawi-Pirchner of the Directorate of State Security and Intelligence said the suspect was “clearly radicalized in the direction of the Islamic State and thinks it is right to kill infidels.”
Planned Methods of Attack
In addition to using homemade explosives, the attackers also planned to use knives in the attack on concertgoers.
Second Suspect’s Profile
The second suspect’s home also contained Islamic State and al-Qaida material. This suspect is only 17 years old. Unlike the 19-year-old suspect, the second suspect will not talk to police.
The younger suspect gained employment mere days ago to provide services at the Ernst Happel Stadium concert venue. The suspects are Austrian with roots in North Macedonia, Turkey, and Croatia.
Collaboration with Foreign Intelligence
Austrian intelligence officials worked with foreign intelligence services to identify, capture, and arrest the teens. The Austrian officials are unauthorized in monitoring text messages, requiring the officials to work with outside intelligence agencies.
Investigation of Additional Connections
Law enforcement is not searching for additional co-conspirators; however, they are investigating a 15-year-old who is mutually connected with the suspects.
Cancellation Announcement
The event organizer, Barracuda Music, took to Instagram late Wednesday to announce that the shows were canceled and that tickets would be refunded. Barracuda Music wrote they “had no choice but to cancel the three scheduled shows for everyone’s safety.”
Taylor Swift’s Response
Swift has not publicly addressed the cancellations or the terrorist plot. The next leg of Swift’s tour will continue as scheduled in London’s Wembley Stadium. She will perform five concerts between August 15 and 20.
Statement from London’s Mayor
London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan promised, “We’re going to carry on,” and that law enforcement was prepared to ensure public safety at the events.
Juliet Potrykus
Juliet Potrykus is a distinguished writer with expertise in political news, public policy, and legislation, boasting a decade of Capitol Hill experience in Washington, D.C. She holds a Master's Degree in International Relations and American Politics from George Washington University. Now based in Washington state with her family, Juliet continues her advocacy on critical issues like immigration, education, and constitutional matters.