In a shocking turn of events, Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated Eras Tour concerts in Vienna had been abruptly canceled due to a credible threat of a terrorist attack. The decision was made on Wednesday, which was just a day before the first scheduled show.
Additionally, the decision was made after the Austrian authorities announced the arrest of two suspected extremists. The organizer, Barracuda Music, had canceled all three shows scheduled for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the Ernst Happel Stadium. Moreover, the decision was made to prioritize the safety of fans, staff, and the public.
Suspects In The Planned Terror Attack Were Inspired By The Islamic State Group And Al-Qaida
According to AP, one of the suspects was reportedly planning an attack on a large event in the Vienna area. The intelligence was quick enough to point towards the Swift concerts as a potential target. The main suspect, a 19-year-old Austrian, exhibited alarming signs of radicalization.
Just weeks before the planned attack, he pledged allegiance to the current leader of the Islamic State group online. Even more disturbingly, he had recently quit his job, declaring he had “big plans.” The planned attack was to be carried out using knives and homemade explosives.
Additionally, according to the officials, one of the suspects confessed to wanting to ”kill as many people as possible outside the concert venue.” Investigators found bomb-making materials in the suspect’s homes, underscoring the seriousness of the threat.
The second suspect, horrifyingly enough, was hired to work at the stadium just days before the concerts. Additionally, the decision to cancel Taylor Swift’s three sold-out shows in Vienna was a heartbreaking blow to fans. However, it undoubtedly prevented a horrific tragedy. Moreover, officials have praised the intelligence services for their swift action in averting a potential massacre.
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Despite The Threats, Taylor Swift Will Perform Her Shows Scheduled For The Wembley Stadium In London
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has confirmed that Taylor Swift will be returning to Wembley Stadium for five concert dates next week, despite the cancellation of her concerts in Austria. Khan stated that the capital and the police have learned valuable lessons from the Manchester Arena attack in 2017, which resulted in the loss of 22 lives during an Ariana Grande concert.
Additionally, he emphasized that the city is experienced in policing such events and is always vigilant, working closely with various stakeholders to ensure safety. Taylor Swift’s concerts at Wembley Stadium are scheduled for August 15, 16, 17, 19, and 20. Moreover, the stadium has employed strict policies to ensure fan safety. These include a restricted bag policy, a prohibited items list, and more.
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