Taylor Swift’s Vienna, Austria, shows of the Eras tour have been canceled after government officials confirmed that the concerts were the target of “planned terrorist attacks.”
The Grammy-winning artist was scheduled to perform at Ernst Happel Stadium on August 8, 9, and 10.
Police Raid Suspect’s Home
Officials raided a 19-year-old suspect’s home on August 7, 2024, in connection to the alleged attacks in Ternitz. The teen reportedly lives with his parents and police found substances and chemicals inside their house, according to Variety.
Suspects Arrested
Later that day, the teen suspect was arrested while a secondary suspect was detained in Vienna. Both are alleged to be extremists.
The public security director at Austria’s interior ministry Franz Ruf told The Austria Press Agency that authorities were made aware of the “preparatory actions” for a possible attack “and also that there is a focus by the 19-year-old perpetrator on the Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna.”
On August 9, 2024, a third suspect was arrested in connection with the case. Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner said the 18-year-old Iraqi teenager had connections with the main suspect, according to multiple reports. CNN reported that the ministry stated that this suspect and the main suspect “had recently pledged allegiance to ISIS.”
Taylor Swift’s Vienna Show Canceled
“Taylor Swift | The Eras tour Vienna shows canceled due to government officials confirmation of a planned terrorist attack,” Barracuda Music, the host of the event, wrote via Instagram later that day. “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.”
Taylor has yet to publicly address the heartbreaking events.
Travis Kelce Allegedly Targeted at Morgan Wallen Concert
On August 2, 2024, it was alleged that Taylor’s boyfriend, Travis Kelce, was one of two targets of a “terroristic threat” at a Morgan Wallen concert at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
The suspect, Aaron Brown, threatened two unidentified Kansas City Chiefs NFL players via X, according to court documents reported by multiple outlets.
“Mr. [redacted] at Arrowhead with the wife. If he brings out [redacted] or [redacted] I’ll take the f–kin shot. F–k em!” the threat read. “Also f–k you bitch!! (hand emoji with middle finger up twice) @[redacted].”
Travis was at the country concert with teammate Patrick Mahomes and his pregnant wife, Brittany Mahomes. At one point in the show, the professional athletes took the stage with the “Cowgirls” singer.
Police contacted Brown via cell phone, and he told officials where he and his girlfriend were sitting at the concert. They arrested him onsite.
“The defendant confirmed to police where he was located at Arrowhead. The concert was delayed for 40 minutes while the defendant was located,” the court documents read per Variety. “The defendant was charged earlier today and a $15,000 bond was set.”
Alleged Plans for Attack at Taylor Swift’s Vienna Concert Revealed
The 19-year-old key suspect in the alleged scheme reportedly planned to “drive a car into the 20,000 fans” standing outside the stadium before attacking them with “machetes and knives,” according to The Mirror. The suspect also allegedly planned to build a “well advanced” bomb using the chemical substances found at his home.
Swifties Gather to Support Each Other in Vienna After Cancellations
Despite the concerts being canceled, fans of Taylor in Vienna found ways to spread their love for the singer and support each other during the uncertain time. On August 8, 2024, journalist Nicole Auerbach shared photos of hundreds of Swifties flooding a street in the Austria capital.
“Greetings from Cornelia Street in Vienna, where the Taylor Swift shows have been canceled — and it’s packed with people trading bracelets and singing songs,” she captioned the post.
Meanwhile, Olivia Levin, who runs a fan account on Instagram called Swifties for Eternity, took to her page on August 7, 2024, with a collection of screenshots sharing stories of fans connecting with each other on social media after the concerts were canceled. One woman revealed that she “came to Vienna alone” and had nobody to trade friendship bracelets with, but other concertgoers reached out to her and made plans to take her to brunch. Another person shared that her sister was also “stuck in Vienna alone” and made plans with other solo concertgoers.
Nikki Glaser Parodies Taylor Swift’s ‘Cruel Summer’ After Canceled Vienna Shows
Comedian Nikki Glaser took to Instagram on August 7, 2024, with a video of herself and her sister, Lauren Glaser, at the airport after the Vienna concerts were canceled. She took the opportunity to reveal in a parody of Taylor’s song “Cruel Summer” that they had just learned of the cancellation.
“We’re stuck at an airport gate,” Nikki sang before switching off lines with her sister. “On our way to Vienna on a flight that was late/ Oh, planning outfits and singing songs/ We had no idea how things could go wrong/ Then we get a text from our mom/ That the shows have been canceled because of a threat from a bomb/ And we screamed in Hudson News/ What the hell do I do with these goddamn sparkly shoes?/ I dyed my hair pink for nothing/ We’re f–ked.”
