Taylor Swift shows in Vienna canceled after 2 arrested for planning terror plot

From ABC News and the Sun

Taylor Swift’s three concerts in Vienna this week have been canceled after two suspects were arrested for allegedly plotting a terror attack, authorities said.

“We have no choice but to cancel the three scheduled shows for everyone’s safety,” a message from Barracuda Music said. “All tickets will be automatically refunded.” Earlier reports anticipated that the concerts would take place. 

It is understood the stadium has not yet been deemed safe for the public.

The cancellation comes hours after authorities announced a 19-year-old Austrian citizen was arrested Wednesday morning and a second suspect was arrested in the afternoon.

The suspects allegedly radicalized themselves online, Franz Ruf, director-general for public safety in the Ministry of the Interior, said at a press conference. The 19-year-old suspect allegedly pledged allegiance to the leader of the Islamic State in the beginning of July, Ruf said. One of the suspects is a native Austrian. Authorities are still investigating the case – and believe there are other suspects involved, according to Austrian media.

Vienna was a target of their planned attack and the 19-year-old suspect had a particular focus on Swift’s Vienna concert, Ruf said.

According to Ruf, the substances retrieved from the 19-year-old are currently being evaluated, likely to determine whether they were meant to be used for the purposes of constructing a bomb.

One man was arrested in Vienna, while the 19-year-old — considered to be the main suspect — was detained in the town of Ternitz south of the capital.

Both the attackers allegedly had detailed plans on how to carry out a mass attack.

Authorities, who received a tip from foreign intelligence agencies, asked local residents to evacuate the place as they cordoned off the roads during their raid.