Taylor Swift’s London shows greenlit post-Vienna threat, cancellations

(NewsNation) — American music legend Taylor Swift is scheduled to finish her Eras Tour leg in Europe this month before heading back to the United States and Canada in the fall.

However, a foiled plot to attack Swift’s shows in Vienna, Austria, has halted her plans and might cause future disruptions.

What happened in Vienna?

Three sold-out concerts were canceled in Vienna earlier this week after authorities caught wind of potential violent attacks planned for Thursday or Friday, according to Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner.

Two teen suspects were arrested on Tuesday in connection to plotting an attack on Swift’s shows in the city. Austrian authorities said Thursday that the teens appeared to be inspired by the Islamic State group and al-Qaida.

A third teenager was taken into Austrian custody Thursday. Karner said the 18-year-old was arrested after allegedly speaking to one of the original two suspects and pledging an “oath of allegiance” to the Islamic State.

None of the suspects’ names have been released in line with Austrian privacy rules.

Officials said the main suspect, a 19-year-old Austrian, began working on his attack plans in July, and just a few weeks ago uploaded to the internet an oath of allegiance to the current leader of the Islamic State group militia. He planned to use knives or homemade explosives.

“He wanted to carry out an attack in the area outside the stadium, killing as many people as possible using the knives or even using the explosive devices he had made,” said Omar Haijawi-Pirchner, the head of the Directorate of State Security and Intelligence, citing the 19-year-old’s confession.

He was “clearly radicalized in the direction of the Islamic State and thinks it is right to kill infidels,” Haijawi-Pirchner added.

During a raid of the main suspect’s home in Ternitz, south of Vienna, investigators found chemical substances and technical devices that indicated “concrete preparatory acts,” said Franz Ruf, Director General for Public Security at the Ministry of the Interior. The material discovered is commonly used to make explosive devices.

Authorities also found Islamic State group and al-Qaida material at the home of the second suspect, a 17-year-old Austrian. He was employed a few days ago by a company providing services at the venue for the concerts and was arrested by special police forces near the stadium.

No other suspects are being sought, Karner, the interior minister, said. However, a 15-year-old who had been in contact with both suspects was also interrogated by police.

Devastated Swifties

Due to the plot, the cancellations devastated Swifties from across the globe. Many had dropped thousands of euros on travel and lodging in Austria’s expensive capital city to attend the Eras Tour shows at the Ernst Happel Stadium.

Elizabeth Gamache, who flew from Chicago to attend the concert, told NewsNation that she’s proud of the Austrian government for acting swiftly and keeping all the concertgoers safe.

“Of course initial reaction, waking up in the middle of the night and coming from the U.S., was a bit of shock and disappointment; but overall, I think we’re all pretty agreed that we’re just very proud of the Austrian government and everyone involved to get active and address this so quickly where we weren’t in danger,” Gamache said.

“That’s the number one thing, is to keep everyone safe,” she said.

Several Americans, like Gamache, have been traveling to Europe to see their favorite artist because it costs less than being able to snatch a ticket in the U.S. Plus, traveling over the pond to another country makes the cost and trip worth the experience.

Gamache said she has been a lifetime fan of Swift, growing up with the pop star’s every “era.”

“I feel like I’ve grown up knowing her and loving her in every era,” she said.

That’s why it was worth it for Gamache to travel to Vienna to see her idol perform.

Concert organizers Barracuda Music said in an Instagram post late Wednesday that “we have no choice but to cancel the three scheduled shows for everyone’s safety.” It cited government officials’ confirmation of a planned attack at the stadium.

Barracuda Music stood behind its decision to cancel the events, saying it expected up to 65,000 fans inside the stadium at each concert and as many as 30,000 onlookers outside, where authorities said the suspects planned to strike.

Swift and her team have not spoken publicly about the plot or canceled shows. Her Instagram page reposted Barracuda Music’s announcement in a “story,” which only lasted 24 hours.

“I’m sure she’s reeling, just as all of us are,” Gamache said. “It takes time to reel from the fact that this is, you know, a potential terrorist attack, and that’s a lot to digest. I think, with grace and with time, she’ll definitely come out and say something, and we all believe it’ll be wonderful and heartfelt.”

Previously, for Swift’s 30th birthday, she was interviewed by Elle fashion magazine about 30 things she’s learned before turning 30. In response to one question, Swift said she was “terrified” to go on tour following other attacks on concerts like the 2019 Manchester Arena bombing and the 2017 Las Vegas concert shooting.

Barracuda Music said, “All tickets will be automatically refunded within the next 10 business days.” The same wording was posted under the Vienna dates on Swift’s official website.

What’s next for Taylor Swift?

Swift is expected to perform at London’s Wembley Stadium in five concerts between Aug. 15 and 20 to close the European leg of her record-setting Eras Tour.

London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, confirmed the shows will continue as scheduled.

“I’m sure Vienna has got its own reasons to cancel the Taylor Swift concerts, we’re going to carry on, working closely with police (and) ensuring that the Taylor Swift concerts can take place in London safely,” Khan told Sky News.

However, violent protests by anti-immigrant demonstrators have erupted across the United Kingdom this week after misinformation was spread about the stabbing rampage that killed three girls last month during a Swift-themed dance and yoga class in the seaside community of Southport.

Swift at the time said she was “completely in shock” over the attack.

Social media users falsely identified the suspect as an immigrant and a Muslim. In fact, the suspect is a 17-year-old native of Wales who lived in Lancashire. 

On Wednesday, thousands of anti-racism protesters peacefully took to the streets of England in solidarity, displaying signs that read “refugees welcome” and “racists out, refugees in,” according to NBC News.

“In London, we have zero tolerance for racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism or any form of hate and we pride ourselves on being open, diverse and welcoming of all faiths and backgrounds,” said Khan, who is London’s first Muslim mayor.

Regardless, concertgoers will remain on high alert as Swift comes to Wembley Stadium.

Gamache told NewsNation that she has extended her European trip so she can see Swift in London.

“Of course, there’s going to be concerns,” Gamache said about seeing Swift in London. “I just don’t want that kind of threat to stop me from living my life.”

She continued, “I think that that’s what terrorists always focus on, is to instill fear, and I’m not going to let that stop me from doing what I originally wanted to, which is seeing one of my favorite artists in concert.”

Swift’s final Eras Tour concert in Europe is scheduled for Aug. 20. The pop star will then head back to the U.S. for shows in Miami, New Orleans and Indianapolis before heading to Canada for the last leg of her tour for the year.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.