ISIS was preparing an attack with “chemical substances” –

The concerts in Vienna of the American singer Taylor Swift have been cancelled by the organizers due to the risk of Islamist attacks. The Austrian police arrested two people yesterday. The main suspect is a 19-year-old boy (residing in Lower Austria) suspected of being an ISIS sympathizer. According to the prosecution, the young man was planning attacks in Vienna, focusing on the concerts of the American singer. Chemical substances were seized from his home. A second person believed to be in contact with the 19-year-old was also arrested. According to initial investigations by the Austrian authorities, both suspects were radicalized on the Internet.

Taylor Swift, who is on tour in Europe, was supposed to perform at the Ernst Happel Stadium in the Austrian capital on three nights: from today until Saturday. “With the confirmation by the authorities of a planned terrorist attack at the Ernst Happel Stadium, we have no choice but to cancel all three concerts for the safety of everyone,” Barracuda Music explained on Instagram. The 19-year-old who “had pledged allegiance to ISIS in recent weeks” was arrested yesterday morning in Lower Austria, about an hour from the capital, Austrian security chief Franz Ruf said at a press conference, adding that according to the investigation the young man was planning to strike during Taylor Swift’s concerts in Vienna.

The police were prepared to step up security measures, including the deployment of special units to minimize any real danger. The organizers “for the safety of all” have nevertheless decided to cancel all three events, guaranteeing the refund of tickets. About 65 thousand spectators were expected at each show.