Taylor Swift | Suspect in foiled Taylor Swift terror attack began working at Vienna venue days ago

A suspect in the foiled terrorist attack on the Taylor Swift concert had only started working at the venue a few days earlier.

The 34-year-old pop star was supposed to give three concerts in Vienna, Austria starting Thursday (08.08.24), but the concerts were cancelled on Wednesday (07.08.24) due to a planned attack at the Ernst Happel Stadium.

According to official reports, a 17-year-old boy suspected of being behind the plot began working in the arena days before the cancellation.

It is said that a few days ago he was employed by a building services company that provides services at the stadium during shows, while he was arrested nearby by special police units.

A second suspect, 19 years old, was also arrested.

According to Omar Haijawi-Pirchner, head of the Directorate for State Security and Intelligence, the suspect wanted to commit suicide and “kill a large crowd at the concert either today or tomorrow.”

Weapons were found outside the stadium. Haijawi-Pirchner said the elderly suspect was “clearly radicalized towards the Islamic State (IS) and believes it is right to kill infidels.”

In a statement posted on Instagram on Wednesday (07.08.24), concert promoters Barracuda Music said: “Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour concerts in Vienna have been cancelled due to confirmation of a planned terrorist attack by government officials.”

“After government officials confirmed a planned terrorist attack at the Ernst Happel Stadium, we have no choice but to cancel the three planned shows for everyone's safety.”

Police investigations focused on the town of Ternitz, where one of the suspects lives with his family. The 19-year-old suspect was arrested before his house was searched and almost half of the town was evacuated.

Ruf confirmed at the press conference that investigators had found “chemical substances” that were currently being examined.

In addition, authorities claim to have found detailed plans of the planned terrorist attack.

Taylor was scheduled to perform at Vienna's Ernst Happel Stadium on August 8, 9 and 10, and numerous fans traveled from overseas to see the pop star in action.

Organizers have confirmed that ticket holders will receive a full refund.