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Taylor Swift speaks on canceled Vienna shows: 'Devastating, but grateful'

By Chris Williams
Published  August 21, 2024 7:19pm EDT
Entertainment
Fox TV Stations
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Taylor Swift performs onstage during "Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour" at Wembley Stadium on August 15, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management )

The Brief 

    • Taylor Swift expressed devastation and guilt over the cancelation of her Vienna shows, which were canceled due to a thwarted attack plot targeting the event.
    • Austrian authorities arrested three suspects in connection with the conspiracy, including two young adults who planned to use knives or homemade explosives to attack spectators.
    • Swift praised the authorities for preventing a potential tragedy and thanked her fans for their support and unity during the difficult situation.

LONDON - Singer-songwriter Taylor Swift is breaking her silence after her Vienna shows were canceled over an apparent plot to launch an attack at an event. 

"Having our Vienna shows cancelled was devastating," Swift posted on Instagram as she wrapped up the European leg of her Eras tour. "The reason for the cancellations filled me with a new sense of fear, and a tremendous amount of guilt because so many people had planned on coming to those shows."

"But I was also so grateful to the authorities because thanks to them, we were grieving concerts and not lives. I was heartened by the love and unity I saw in the fans who banded together," he continued. 

RELATED: Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna targeted: Austrian authorities arrest 2 suspects

Concert organizer Barracuda Music had said it canceled the three-night Vienna run that would have begun Aug. 8 because the arrests made in connection to the conspiracy were too close to showtime. Authorities said a 19-year-old suspect had planned to target spectators outside the Ernst Happel Stadium with knives or homemade explosives, hoping to "kill as many people as possible."

3rd person arrested in Swift terror threat

A third person has been arrested in the connection with the foiled conspiracy attack to three-now cancelled Taylor Swift concerts. The main suspect planned to "kill as many people as possible," authorities said. Former ICE Director John Torres joined LiveNOW from FOX's Josh Breslow to detail the latest information.

That suspect and another 17-year-old were taken into custody on Aug. 6, the day before the shows were announced as canceled. A third suspect, 18, was arrested Aug. 8.

The Source

  • This story was reported based on information from Taylor Swift's Instagram account plus previous reporting from the Associated Press. This story was reported from Los Angeles.