Vienna’s Ernst Happel stadium is set to host three performances from Taylor Swift this week as the Eras tour touches down in Austria. But the concerts were placed in jeopardy when, on Wednesday, Aug. 7, authorities arrested two men who were allegedly planning to execute terror attacks at multiple locations in the city.
The concerts scheduled from Aug. 8 through 10 will continue with increased security now that police officials have reported that “the concrete danger has been minimized,” according to NBC News . Chemical substances were discovered after authorities took into custody a 19-year-old who allegedly pledged allegiance to ISIS after being radicalized online.
The other man who was arrested is also said to have an allegiance to the terrorist group. Details are still emerging regarding the threat, which was addressed broadly in a news conference from Vienna State Police Director Franz Ruf and Police Chief Gerhard Purstl. 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 a town south of the capital called Ternitz. No additional details regarding the matter have been shared from officials. Ernst Happel Stadium holds a capacity of more than 50,000 attendees.
All three shows Swift will play this week are sold out. The performances mark the musician’s last appearances until October when she returns to North America for the final leg of the Eras tour..
