On August 8, CNN reported that organizers have canceled three of Taylor Swift’s concerts in Austria after authorities arrested two suspects accused of planning a terrorist attack during the leg of her Eras Tour in Vienna.

This unusual decision could significantly impact Vienna’s business activities and has disappointed fans, but it also serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities of major events to terrorist threats. According to Barracuda Music, the promoter for Swift’s shows in Austria, the singer was scheduled to perform three concerts in the European city from August 8 to 10, all of which have now been canceled.

Barracuda Music stated online, “With confirmation from government officials of a planned terrorist attack at the Ernst Happel Stadium, we had no choice but to cancel the three scheduled performances for everyone’s safety.” Swift’s official website has also listed the canceled shows.

At a press conference in the capital, police revealed that a 19-year-old Austrian citizen with ties to the Islamic State (IS) was arrested on August 7 in Ternitz, Lower Austria, with another arrest occurring later in Vienna.

The police reported that the suspects had become “radicalized via the internet,” with the 19-year-old pledging allegiance to the IS leader in July. Authorities said the two suspects had taken “specific preparatory measures” for a terrorist attack, with police suspecting explosives were stored at the Ternitz home of one suspect. They also mentioned that chemicals had been secured at the 19-year-old’s residence and were being assessed, according to AP.

“From the current investigative perspective, we believe the intended target of the attack was events in the Vienna area,” said law enforcement officials. Late on August 7, the police announced they had made “additional arrests,” but provided no further details. Barracuda Music confirmed that all tickets for the canceled performances would be automatically refunded within 10 business days.

Swift’s Eras Tour began in Glendale, Arizona on March 18, 2023, and has since traveled across the US, South America, Asia, and Australia, with the European leg underway before heading back to North America.

The cancellation of these three high-profile shows is likely to be a difficult decision for Vienna’s authorities, given the substantial economic benefits associated with Swift’s performances. Estimates suggest her tour has had a significant economic impact on the cities and countries she has visited, including boosting spending in the UK by nearly $1 billion. Authorities also expected around 65,000 spectators at each of Swift’s Vienna shows, with an additional 15,000-20,000 fans outside the stadium.