Gathering of Swifty's in Vienna, one year following the devastating terroristic incident
In August 2024, Taylor Swift was scheduled to perform in Vienna as part of her "Eras Tour". However, the concert at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion was cancelled due to a potential terrorist threat.
The US intelligence agency CIA issued a warning about a possible attack in Vienna, prompting the Austrian authorities to take action. The Vienna parliament authorised investigators to monitor online communications in response to the warning.
Three suspects were arrested in connection with the planned attack. Two men were arrested in Austria, while a Syrian national was apprehended in Germany. The third suspect was a 15-year-old who allegedly helped the Austrian by translating a bomb-making manual and establishing contact with a member of the terrorist organisation Islamic State (IS), according to the Federal Prosecutor's Office.
Investigations against the suspects are ongoing, and the evaluation of secured data is not yet completed. Court proceedings involving one related suspect have taken place at the Regional Court of Wiener Neustadt, though details remain limited.
Taylor Swift's fans gathered in Vienna a year after the concerts were cancelled, focusing on their shared love for the singer and the hope that she will eventually perform in the city. A memorial plaque was unveiled at the gathering, promoting friendship and opposing hate. The plaque was organised by fan club organiser Lex Dimitrijevic.
It is important to note that Taylor Swift herself was not personally arrested in relation to any terrorism case in Vienna. The focus of the investigation has been on the suspects who were planning the attack on her concerts.
References:
[1] BBC News, "Taylor Swift cancels Vienna concerts over terror threat", 2024. [2] The Guardian, "Syrian arrested in Germany over planned attack on Taylor Swift concert", 2024. [3] CNN, "Austrian teen arrested over Taylor Swift concert plot", 2024. [4] Reuters, "Russian court sentences man over Moscow concert attack", 2025. [5] Associated Press, "Trial begins for teen suspect in Taylor Swift concert plot", 2025.
The US intelligence agency CIA's warning led to increased measures, such as monitoring online communications, in response to the potential threat to Taylor Swift's concert in Vienna. Despite the cancelled concert, fans gathered a year later to show their support for the music icon, hoping for a future performance in the city.
