Earlier this month, three Taylor Swift concerts scheduled to take place in Vienna, Austria, were canceled following a thwarted terrorist attack. The three shows were due to kick off at the Ernst Happel Stadium on Thursday, August 8, but on the evening of August 7, two people were arrested on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack at the concert. A statement from the organizers read at the time: “Due to confirmation by government officials of a planned terrorist attack at the Ernst Happel Stadium, we have no choice but to cancel the three planned shows for everyone's safety.
All tickets will be automatically refunded within the next 10 working days." A third person was arrested in connection with the planned attack on August 9, and according to police, one of the suspects confessed to intending to “kill as many people as possible.” In addition to the estimated 65,000 Swifties who were due to attend each of Taylor’s shows, about 20,000 to 35,000 non-ticket holders were expected to gather outside the stadium each night.
After the concerts were canceled, fans gathered across the city to sing Taylor’s songs and swap friendship bracelets, with Austria’s chancellor, Karl Nehammer, directly addressing the disappointed fans over the government’s decision. “I understand very well that those who wanted to experience the concert live are very sad,” he said at the time. “Moms and dads are caring for their daughters and sons, who had been full of enthusiasm and excite.