Taylor Swift Cancels 3 Eras Tour Shows Because of a ‘Planned Terrorist Attack’
Taylor Swift has been traveling across the world for her Eras Tour for over a year, and she has just canceled dates for the first time. Swift’s team announced the cancellation of all three of her Vienna shows following the arrest of two men plotting a terrorist attack at one of the concerts.
Taylor Swift canceled all her Eras Tour dates in Vienna
Swift planned to play three shows in Vienna, Austria beginning on Thursday, Aug. 8. One day before the first show, Austrian concert promoter Barracuda Music announced the cancellation of all three dates on Instagram.
“Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour Vienna Shows canceled due to government officials confirmation of planned terrorist attack,” the post read. “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. All tickets will be automatically refunded within the next 10 business days.”
Swift has yet to comment on the cancelation, but her website reflects the announcement that ticket holders will receive refunds.
Two suspects have been arrested for the planned attack at Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour
Ahead of the cancelation, Austrian authorities arrested two suspects. Per The New York Times, the primary suspect is a 19-year-old man with an allegiance to the Islamic State. He confessed his plans to authorities. Franz Ruf, the head of public safety in Austria, shared in a press conference that the suspects intended to use explosives and other weapons to kill as many concertgoers as possible.
A 17-year-old accomplice was arrested outside the stadium. Police also took in a 15-year-old boy for questioning, but they do not believe he participated in the plot. Some media reports claim that a manhunt for two other suspects is currently taking place across Europe.
Austrian intelligence officials say they did not push for the cancellation of the tour dates. Still, they said they understand the decision.
She once said she was afraid of violence occurring at one of her shows
In 2019, Swift said that the idea of violence at one of her shows is a major fear.
“After the Manchester Arena bombing and the Vegas concert shooting, I was completely terrified to go on tour this time because I didn’t know how we were going to keep 3 million fans safe over seven months,” she wrote for Elle. “There was a tremendous amount of planning, expense, and effort put into keeping my fans safe.”
She said that her level of celebrity has already led to her feeling unsafe. Acts of violence at other shows forced her to take precautions.
“My fear of violence has continued into my personal life,” she wrote. “I carry QuikClot army grade bandage dressing, which is for gunshot or stab wounds. Websites and tabloids have taken it upon themselves to post every home address I’ve ever had online. You get enough stalkers trying to break into your house and you kind of start prepping for bad things.”
Still, she said she did not want to live her life in fear of what could happen.
“Every day I try to remind myself of the good in the world, the love I’ve witnessed and the faith I have in humanity,” she wrote. “We have to live bravely in order to truly feel alive, and that means not being ruled by our greatest fears.”
