The organizers announced the cancellation of this week’s concerts late on Wednesday after two supporters of the “Islamic State” group were arrested on suspicion of planning terrorist attacks.
“Thanks to intensive cooperation between our police and the newly established DSN [Valsts drošības un izlūkošanas direktorātu]as well as with foreign services, the threat was recognized in time, fought and the tragedy was prevented,” Nähammer wrote on the “X” platform.
The chancellor admitted that the cancellation of the concerts was a bitter disappointment for the fans, but emphasized that “the situation related to the apparently planned terrorist attack in Vienna was very serious”.
“We live in a time when violent methods are being used to attack our Western way of life,” Nähammer said.
“Islamist terrorism threatens security and freedom in many Western countries. Therefore, we will not give up our values of freedom and democracy, but will defend them even more fervently,” added the chancellor.
It has already been reported that Swift’s concerts were scheduled for Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna. The concerts were completely sold out, with around 65,000 people expected to attend each one.
The concert organizer “Barracuda Music” announced the cancellation of the concerts on Wednesday evening after receiving information from the authorities about the threat of terrorism. Tickets can be refunded.
On Wednesday morning, a 19-year-old youth was arrested in the Lower Austrian town of Ternitz, which is 75 kilometers from Vines, and chemicals that could possibly be used for bombing were found at his home. The young man was radicalized on the Internet and recently swore allegiance to the leadership of the “Islamic State”, General Director of Public Security of the Ministry of the Interior, Francis Rufs, told journalists.
The second suspect was detained in Vienna in the afternoon.