(NewsNation) — American music legend Taylor Swift is scheduled to finish her Eras Tour leg in Europe this month before heading back to the United States and Canada in the fall.
However, a foiled plot to attack Taylor Swift’s shows in Vienna, Austria, has halted her plans and might cause future disruptions.
What happened in Vienna?
A screen displays a photo of a man arrested in connection with an Islamist attack plot that caused the cancellation of the Vienna leg of a tour by American mega-star Taylor Swift, on the sidelines of a press conference on August 8, 2024 at the Foreign Ministy in Vienna, Austria. A 19-year-old IS sympathiser was planning a suicide attack at a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna designed to kill many people, the intelligence agency said. (Photo by ROLAND SCHLAGER / APA / AFP) / Austria OUT (Photo by ROLAND SCHLAGER/APA/AFP via Getty Images)
VIENNA, AUSTRIA – AUGUST 08: Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer speaks at Bundeskanzleramt on August 08, 2024 in Vienna, Austria. Three nights of Taylor Swift concerts, which were meant to take place here tonight, Friday and Saturday, were cancelled after Austrian law enforcement announced it had foiled a suspected attack on the venue. (Photo by Thomas Kronsteiner/Getty Images)
VIENNA, AUSTRIA – AUGUST 08: Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer speaks at Bundeskanzleramt on August 08, 2024 in Vienna, Austria. Three nights of Taylor Swift concerts, which were meant to take place here tonight, Friday and Saturday, were cancelled after Austrian law enforcement announced it had foiled a suspected attack on the venue. (Photo by Thomas Kronsteiner/Getty Images)
Security guards remove barriers in front of the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna, Austria, on August 8, 2024, after the three concerts of US mega-star Taylor Swift were cancelled following the arrest of an Islamic State sympathiser in connection with an attack plot. The Vienna leg of a tour by American mega-star Taylor Swift has been cancelled after Austria arrested an Islamic State sympathiser in connection with an attack plot, the organisers said on August 7, 2024. Authorities had earlier confirmed the arrest of a 19-year-old sympathiser of the armed group for allegedly planning an attack in the Vienna region, warning he had a “focus” on Swift’s three upcoming shows. About 65,000 spectators were expected at each show scheduled for August 8, 9 and 10. (Photo by Alex HALADA / AFP) (Photo by ALEX HALADA/AFP via Getty Images)
Workers remove barriers on August 8, 2024 in front of the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna, Austria, after the three scheduled concerts of US mega-star Taylor Swift were cancelled following the arrest of an Islamic State sympathiser in connection with an attack plot. The Vienna leg of a tour by American mega-star Taylor Swift has been cancelled after Austria arrested an Islamic State sympathiser in connection with an attack plot, the organisers said on August 7, 2024. Authorities had earlier confirmed the arrest of a 19-year-old sympathiser of the armed group for allegedly planning an attack in the Vienna region, warning he had a “focus” on Swift’s three upcoming shows. About 65,000 spectators were expected at each show scheduled for August 8, 9 and 10. (Photo by FLORIAN WIESER / APA / AFP) / Austria OUT (Photo by FLORIAN WIESER/APA/AFP via Getty Images)
Three sold-out concerts were canceled in Vienna earlier this week after authorities caught wind of potential violent attacks planned for Thursday or Friday, according to Austria’s interior minister, Gerhard Karner.
Two teen suspects were arrested on Tuesday in connection to plotting an attack on Swift’s shows in the city. Austrian authorities said Thursday that the teens appeared to be inspired by the Islamic State group and al-Qaida.
Neither suspect’s name was released in line with Austrian privacy rules.
Officials said the main suspect, a 19-year-old Austrian, began working on his attack plans in July, and just a few weeks ago uploaded to the internet an oath of allegiance to the current leader of the Islamic State group militia. He planned to use knives or homemade explosives.
“He wanted to carry out an attack in the area outside the stadium, killing as many people as possible using the knives or even using the explosive devices he had made,” said Omar Haijawi-Pirchner, the head of the Directorate of State Security and Intelligence, citing the 19-year-old’s confession.
He was “clearly radicalized in the direction of the Islamic State and thinks it is right to kill infidels,” Haijawi-Pirchner added.
During a raid of the main suspect’s home in Ternitz, south of Vienna, investigators found chemical substances and technical devices that indicated “concrete preparatory acts,” said Franz Ruf, Director General for Public Security at the Ministry of the Interior. The material discovered is commonly used to make explosive devices.
Authorities also found Islamic State group and al-Qaida material at the home of the second suspect, a 17-year-old Austrian. He was employed a few days ago by a company providing services at the venue for the concerts and was arrested by special police forces near the stadium.
No other suspects are being sought, Karner, the interior minister, said. However, a 15-year-old who had been in contact with both suspects was also interrogated by police.
Devastated Swifties
Due to the plot, the cancellations devastated Swifties from across the globe. Many had dropped thousands of euros on travel and lodging in Austria’s expensive capital city to attend the Eras Tour shows at the Ernst Happel Stadium.
Elizabeth Gamache, who flew from Chicago to attend the concert, told NewsNation that she’s proud of the Austrian government for acting swiftly and keeping all the concertgoers safe.
“Of course initial reaction, waking up in the middle of the night and coming from the U.S., was a bit of shock and disappointment; but overall, I think we’re all pretty agreed that we’re just very proud of the Austrian government and everyone involved to get active and address this so quickly where we weren’t in danger,” Gamache said.
“That’s the number one thing, is to keep everyone safe,” she said.
Several Americans, like Gamache, have been traveling to Europe to see their favorite artist because it costs less than being able to snatch a ticket here in the U.S. Plus, traveling over the pond to another country makes the cost and trip worth the experience.
Beaded bracelets of fans of US singer Taylor Swift – swifties – are fixed at the Swiftie Tree in Cornelius Strasse street in Vienna, Austria, on August 8, 2024. A 19-year-old Islamic State sympathiser planned a suicide attack at a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna designed to kill many people, the country’s intelligence agency said. Austrian authorities detained two suspects for allegedly plotting to attack this week’s Vienna concerts by the US star, which organisers cancelled at the last minute. (Photo by Alex HALADA / AFP) (Photo by ALEX HALADA/AFP via Getty Images)
VIENNA, AUSTRIA – AUGUST 08: Police guards Stephansplatz as Taylor Swift fans gather to sing together on August 08, 2024 in Vienna, Austria. Three nights of Taylor Swift concerts, which were meant to take place here tonight, Friday and Saturday, were cancelled after Austrian law enforcement announced it had foiled a suspected attack on the venue. (Photo by Thomas Kronsteiner/Getty Images)
VIENNA, AUSTRIA – AUGUST 08: Taylor Swift fans take photos and sing together on Stephansplatz on August 08, 2024 in Vienna, Austria. Three nights of Taylor Swift concerts, which were meant to take place here tonight, Friday and Saturday, were cancelled after Austrian law enforcement announced it had foiled a suspected attack on the venue. (Photo by Thomas Kronsteiner/Getty Images)
VIENNA, AUSTRIA – AUGUST 08: Taylor Swift fans sing together on Stephansplatz on August 08, 2024 in Vienna, Austria. Three nights of Taylor Swift concerts, which were meant to take place here tonight, Friday and Saturday, were cancelled after Austrian law enforcement announced it had foiled a suspected attack on the venue. (Photo by Thomas Kronsteiner/Getty Images)
VIENNA, AUSTRIA – AUGUST 08: A Taylor Swift fan puts on a bracelet as they sing together on Stephansplatz on August 08, 2024 in Vienna, Austria. Three nights of Taylor Swift concerts, which were meant to take place here tonight, Friday and Saturday, were cancelled after Austrian law enforcement announced it had foiled a suspected attack on the venue. (Photo by Thomas Kronsteiner/Getty Images)
Fans of US mega-star Taylor Swift, so-called “Swifties”, hang beaded bracelets on a “friendship bracelet tree” in Vienna, Austria, after her three scheduled concerts were cancelled following the arrest of an Islamic State sympathiser in connection with an attack plot. The Vienna leg of a tour by American mega-star Taylor Swift has been cancelled after Austria arrested an Islamic State sympathiser in connection with an attack plot, the organisers said on August 7, 2024. Authorities had earlier confirmed the arrest of a 19-year-old sympathiser of the armed group for allegedly planning an attack in the Vienna region, warning he had a “focus” on Swift’s three upcoming shows. About 65,000 spectators were expected at each show scheduled for August 8, 9 and 10. (Photo by Eva MANHART / APA / AFP) / Austria OUT (Photo by EVA MANHART/APA/AFP via Getty Images)
A fan of US mega-star Taylor Swift wears a t-shirt with her star during the “Taylor Swift The Eras Tour Picnic” on August 7, 2024 in a public garden in Vienna, Austria, prior to her three scheduled concerts. The Vienna leg of a tour by American mega-star Taylor Swift has been cancelled after Austria arrested an Islamic State sympathiser in connection with an attack plot, the organisers said on August 7, 2024. Authorities had earlier confirmed the arrest of a 19-year-old sympathiser of the armed group for allegedly planning an attack in the Vienna region, warning he had a “focus” on Swift’s three upcoming shows. About 65,000 spectators were expected at each show scheduled for August 8, 9 and 10. (Photo by Eva MANHART / APA / AFP) / Austria OUT (Photo by EVA MANHART/APA/AFP via Getty Images)
Fans of US singer Taylor Swift – swifties – exchange their beaded bracelets near the Swiftie Tree in Cornelius Strasse street in Vienna, Austria, on August 8, 2024. A 19-year-old Islamic State sympathiser planned a suicide attack at a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna designed to kill many people, the country’s intelligence agency said. Austrian authorities detained two suspects for allegedly plotting to attack this week’s Vienna concerts by the US star, which organisers cancelled at the last minute. (Photo by Alex HALADA / AFP) (Photo by ALEX HALADA/AFP via Getty Images)
Fans of US singer Taylor Swift – swifties – exchange their beaded bracelets near the Swiftie Tree in Cornelius Strasse street in Vienna, Austria, on August 8, 2024. A 19-year-old Islamic State sympathiser planned a suicide attack at a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna designed to kill many people, the country’s intelligence agency said. Austrian authorities detained two suspects for allegedly plotting to attack this week’s Vienna concerts by the US star, which organisers cancelled at the last minute. (Photo by Alex HALADA / AFP) (Photo by ALEX HALADA/AFP via Getty Images)
Fans of US singer Taylor Swift – swifties – fix their beaded bracelets at the Swiftie Tree in Cornelius Strasse street in Vienna, Austria, on August 8, 2024. A 19-year-old Islamic State sympathiser planned a suicide attack at a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna designed to kill many people, the country’s intelligence agency said. Austrian authorities detained two suspects for allegedly plotting to attack this week’s Vienna concerts by the US star, which organisers cancelled at the last minute. (Photo by Alex HALADA / AFP) (Photo by ALEX HALADA/AFP via Getty Images)
Fans of US singer Taylor Swift – swifties – stand and sing around the Swiftie Tree in Cornelius Strasse street in Vienna, Austria, on August 8, 2024. A 19-year-old Islamic State sympathiser planned a suicide attack at a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna designed to kill many people, the country’s intelligence agency said. Austrian authorities detained two suspects for allegedly plotting to attack this week’s Vienna concerts by the US star, which organisers cancelled at the last minute. (Photo by Alex HALADA / AFP) (Photo by ALEX HALADA/AFP via Getty Images)
Fans of US singer Taylor Swift – swifties – fix their beaded bracelets at the Swiftie Tree in Cornelius Strasse street in Vienna, Austria, on August 8, 2024. A 19-year-old Islamic State sympathiser planned a suicide attack at a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna designed to kill many people, the country’s intelligence agency said. Austrian authorities detained two suspects for allegedly plotting to attack this week’s Vienna concerts by the US star, which organisers cancelled at the last minute. (Photo by Alex HALADA / AFP) (Photo by ALEX HALADA/AFP via Getty Images)
A fan of US singer Taylor Swift – a swiftie – fixes her beaded bracelets at the Swiftie Tree in Cornelius Strasse street in Vienna, Austria, on August 8, 2024. A 19-year-old Islamic State sympathiser planned a suicide attack at a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna designed to kill many people, the country’s intelligence agency said. Austrian authorities detained two suspects for allegedly plotting to attack this week’s Vienna concerts by the US star, which organisers cancelled at the last minute. (Photo by Alex HALADA / AFP) (Photo by ALEX HALADA/AFP via Getty Images)
Fans of US mega-star Taylor Swift, so-called “Swifties”, hang beaded bracelets on a “friendship bracelet tree” in Vienna, Austria, after her three scheduled concerts were cancelled following the arrest of an Islamic State sympathiser in connection with an attack plot. The Vienna leg of a tour by American mega-star Taylor Swift has been cancelled after Austria arrested an Islamic State sympathiser in connection with an attack plot, the organisers said on August 7, 2024. Authorities had earlier confirmed the arrest of a 19-year-old sympathiser of the armed group for allegedly planning an attack in the Vienna region, warning he had a “focus” on Swift’s three upcoming shows. About 65,000 spectators were expected at each show scheduled for August 8, 9 and 10. (Photo by Eva MANHART / APA / AFP) / Austria OUT (Photo by EVA MANHART/APA/AFP via Getty Images)
A fan of US singer Taylor Swift – a swiftie – presents her beaded bracelets near the Swiftie Tree in Cornelius Strasse street in Vienna, Austria, on August 8, 2024. A 19-year-old Islamic State sympathiser planned a suicide attack at a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna designed to kill many people, the country’s intelligence agency said. Austrian authorities detained two suspects for allegedly plotting to attack this week’s Vienna concerts by the US star, which organisers cancelled at the last minute. (Photo by Alex HALADA / AFP) (Photo by ALEX HALADA/AFP via Getty Images)
Gamache said she has been a lifetime fan of Swift, growing up with the popstar’s every “era.”
“I feel like I’ve grown up knowing her and loving her in every era,” she said.
That’s why it was worth it for Gamache to travel to Vienna to see her idol perform.
Concert organizers Barracuda Music said in an Instagram post late Wednesday that “we have no choice but to cancel the three scheduled shows for everyone’s safety.” It cited government officials’ confirmation of a planned attack at the stadium.
Barracuda Music stood behind its decision to cancel the events, saying they expected up to 65,000 fans inside the stadium at each concert and as many as 30,000 onlookers outside, where authorities said the suspects planned to strike.
Swift and her team have not spoken publicly about the plot or canceled shows. Her Instagram page reposted Barracuda Music’s announcement in a “story,” which only lasted 24 hours.
“I’m sure she’s reeling, just as all of us are,” Gamache said. “It takes time to reel from the fact that this is, you know, a potential terrorist attack, and that’s a lot to digest. I think, with grace and with time, she’ll definitely come out and say something, and we all believe it’ll be wonderful and heartfelt.”
Previously, for Swift’s 30th birthday, she was interviewed by Elle fashion magazine about 30 things she’s learned before turning 30. In response to one question, Swift said she was “terrified” to go on tour following other attacks on concerts like the 2019 Manchester Arena bombing and the 2017 Las Vegas concert shooting.
Barracuda Music said, “All tickets will be automatically refunded within the next 10 business days.” The same wording was posted under the Vienna dates on Swift’s official website.
What’s next for Taylor Swift?
Swift is expected to perform at London’s Wembley Stadium in five concerts between Aug. 15 and 20 to close the European leg of her record-setting Eras Tour.
London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, confirmed the shows will continue as scheduled.
“I’m sure Vienna has got its own reasons to cancel the Taylor Swift concerts, we’re going to carry on, working closely with police (and) ensuring that the Taylor Swift concerts can take place in London safely,” Khan told Sky News.
However, violent protests by anti-immigrant demonstrators have erupted across the United Kingdom this week after misinformation was spread about the stabbing rampage that killed three girls last month during a Swift-themed dance and yoga class in the seaside community of Southport.
SOUTHPORT, ENGLAND – AUGUST 05: Members of the community blow bubbles as people gather to mourn victims of last week’s knife attack by holding a vigil near the Atkinson on August 5, 2024 in Southport, England. One week ago, three young girls, Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9, were killed, and several other people were seriously injured, when 17-year-old Axel Muganwa Rudakubana went on a stabbing spree in a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport. The incident, as well as false information that the suspect was an immigrant, sparked a wave of anti-immigrant protests and riots across the UK. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
SOUTHPORT, ENGLAND – AUGUST 05: Members of the community, family and friends blow bubbles as people gather to mourn victims of last week’s knife attack by holding a vigil near the Atkinson on August 5, 2024 in Southport, England. One week ago, three young girls, Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9, were killed, and several other people were seriously injured, when 17-year-old Axel Muganwa Rudakubana went on a stabbing spree in a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport. The incident, as well as false information that the suspect was an immigrant, sparked a wave of anti-immigrant protests and riots across the UK. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
SOUTHPORT, ENGLAND – AUGUST 05: Members of the community blow bubbles as people gather to mourn victims of last week’s knife attack by holding a vigil near the Atkinson on August 5, 2024 in Southport, England. One week ago, three young girls, Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9, were killed, and several other people were seriously injured, when 17-year-old Axel Muganwa Rudakubana went on a stabbing spree in a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport. The incident, as well as false information that the suspect was an immigrant, sparked a wave of anti-immigrant protests and riots across the UK. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
SOUTHPORT, ENGLAND – AUGUST 05: Gabbi who was school friends with murdered Bebe King blow bubbles as people gather to mourn victims of last week’s knife attack by holding a vigil near the Atkinson on August 5, 2024 in Southport, England. One week ago, three young girls, Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9, were killed, and several other people were seriously injured, when 17-year-old Axel Muganwa Rudakubana went on a stabbing spree in a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport. The incident, as well as false information that the suspect was an immigrant, sparked a wave of anti-immigrant protests and riots across the UK. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
SOUTHPORT, ENGLAND – AUGUST 05: Members of the community blow bubbles as people gather to mourn victims of last week’s knife attack by holding a vigil near the Atkinson on August 5, 2024 in Southport, England. One week ago, three young girls, Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9, were killed, and several other people were seriously injured, when 17-year-old Axel Muganwa Rudakubana went on a stabbing spree in a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport. The incident, as well as false information that the suspect was an immigrant, sparked a wave of anti-immigrant protests and riots across the UK. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
SOUTHPORT, ENGLAND – AUGUST 05: Members of the community blow bubbles as people gather to mourn victims of last week’s knife attack by holding a vigil near the Atkinson on August 5, 2024 in Southport, England. One week ago, three young girls, Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9, were killed, and several other people were seriously injured, when 17-year-old Axel Muganwa Rudakubana went on a stabbing spree in a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport. The incident, as well as false information that the suspect was an immigrant, sparked a wave of anti-immigrant protests and riots across the UK. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
SOUTHPORT, ENGLAND – AUGUST 05: Members of the community blow bubbles as people gather to mourn victims of last week’s knife attack by holding a vigil near the Atkinson on August 5, 2024 in Southport, England. One week ago, three young girls, Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9, were killed, and several other people were seriously injured, when 17-year-old Axel Muganwa Rudakubana went on a stabbing spree in a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport. The incident, as well as false information that the suspect was an immigrant, sparked a wave of anti-immigrant protests and riots across the UK. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
SOUTHPORT, ENGLAND – AUGUST 05: Members of the community arrive ahead of a vigil to remember the victims of last week’s knife attack near the Atkinson on August 5, 2024 in Southport, England. One week ago, three young girls, Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9, were killed, and several other people were seriously injured, when 17-year-old Axel Muganwa Rudakubana went on a stabbing spree in a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport. The incident, as well as false information that the suspect was an immigrant, sparked a wave of anti-immigrant protests and riots across the UK. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
SOUTHPORT, ENGLAND – AUGUST 05: Members of the community arrive ahead of a vigil to remember the victims of last week’s knife attack near the Atkinson on August 5, 2024 in Southport, England. One week ago, three young girls, Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9, were killed, and several other people were seriously injured, when 17-year-old Axel Muganwa Rudakubana went on a stabbing spree in a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport. The incident, as well as false information that the suspect was an immigrant, sparked a wave of anti-immigrant protests and riots across the UK. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
SOUTHPORT, ENGLAND – AUGUST 05: Members of the community arrive ahead of a vigil to remember the victims of last week’s knife attack near the Atkinson on August 5, 2024 in Southport, England. One week ago, three young girls, Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9, were killed, and several other people were seriously injured, when 17-year-old Axel Muganwa Rudakubana went on a stabbing spree in a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport. The incident, as well as false information that the suspect was an immigrant, sparked a wave of anti-immigrant protests and riots across the UK. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
Floral tribute left outside the Town Hall in Southport, ahead of a vigil, in memory of three children who died in a “ferocious” knife attack during a Taylor Swift event at a dance school last Monday. Picture date: Monday August 5, 2024. (Photo by Ryan Jenkinson/PA Images via Getty Images)
Children add to chalk messages on the pavement among tributes left outside the Town Hall in Southport, ahead of a vigil, in memory of three children who died in a “ferocious” knife attack during a Taylor Swift event at a dance school last Monday. Picture date: Monday August 5, 2024. (Photo by Ryan Jenkinson/PA Images via Getty Images)
A man looks at tributes left outside the Town Hall in Southport, ahead of a vigil, in memory of three children who died in a “ferocious” knife attack during a Taylor Swift event at a dance school last Monday. Picture date: Monday August 5, 2024. (Photo by Ryan Jenkinson/PA Images via Getty Images)
Members of the public lay and look at floral tribute left outside the Town Hall in Southport, ahead of a vigil, in memory of three children who died in a “ferocious” knife attack during a Taylor Swift event at a dance school last Monday. Picture date: Monday August 5, 2024. (Photo by Ryan Jenkinson/PA Images via Getty Images)
SOUTHPORT, ENGLAND – AUGUST 5: Children blow bubbles as people gather to mourn victims of last week’s knife attack by holding a vigil near the Atkinson on August 5, 2024 in Southport, England. One week ago, three young girls were killed, and several other people were seriously injured, when 17-year-old Axel Muganwa Rudakubana went on a stabbing spree in a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport. The incident, as well as false information that the suspect was an immigrant, sparked a wave of anti-immigrant protests and riots across the UK. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
SOUTHPORT, ENGLAND – AUGUST 05: Ophelia (L) and Gabbi (R) who were school friends with murdered Bebe King blow bubbles as people gather to mourn victims of last week’s knife attack by holding a vigil near the Atkinson on August 5, 2024 in Southport, England. One week ago, three young girls, Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9, were killed, and several other people were seriously injured, when 17-year-old Axel Muganwa Rudakubana went on a stabbing spree in a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport. The incident, as well as false information that the suspect was an immigrant, sparked a wave of anti-immigrant protests and riots across the UK. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
Members of the public take part in a vigil outside the Town Hall in Southport, where three children died in a “ferocious” knife attack during a Taylor Swift event at a dance school last Monday. Picture date: Monday August 5, 2024. (Photo by Ryan Jenkinson/PA Images via Getty Images)
SOUTHPORT, ENGLAND – AUGUST 5: Adults and children blow bubbles as they attend to mourn victims of last week’s knife attack by holding a vigil near the Atkinson on August 5, 2024 in Southport, England. One week ago, three young girls were killed, and several other people were seriously injured, when 17-year-old Axel Muganwa Rudakubana went on a stabbing spree in a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport. The incident, as well as false information that the suspect was an immigrant, sparked a wave of anti-immigrant protests and riots across the UK. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
SOUTHPORT, ENGLAND – AUGUST 5: Two young girls comfort each other as people gather to mourn victims of last week’s knife attack by holding a vigil near the Atkinson on August 5, 2024 in Southport, England. One week ago, three young girls were killed, and several other people were seriously injured, when 17-year-old Axel Muganwa Rudakubana went on a stabbing spree in a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport. The incident, as well as false information that the suspect was an immigrant, sparked a wave of anti-immigrant protests and riots across the UK. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
SOUTHPORT, ENGLAND – AUGUST 05: Ophelia (L) and Gabbi (R) who were school friends with murdered Bebe King blow bubbles as people gather to mourn victims of last week’s knife attack by holding a vigil near the Atkinson on August 5, 2024 in Southport, England. One week ago, three young girls, Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9, were killed, and several other people were seriously injured, when 17-year-old Axel Muganwa Rudakubana went on a stabbing spree in a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport. The incident, as well as false information that the suspect was an immigrant, sparked a wave of anti-immigrant protests and riots across the UK. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
Swift at the time said she was ‘’completely in shock’’ over the attack.
Social media users falsely identified the suspect as an immigrant and a Muslim. In fact, the suspect is a 17-year-old native of Wales who lived in Lancashire.
On Wednesday, thousands of anti-racism protesters peacefully took to the streets of England in solidarity, displaying signs that read “refugees welcome” and “racists out, refugees in,” according to NBC News.
“In London, we have zero tolerance for racism, Islamophobia, antisemitism or any form of hate and we pride ourselves on being open, diverse and welcoming of all faiths and backgrounds,” said Khan, who is London’s first Muslim mayor.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 07: A man, (no name given) who reportedly said to the protesters he was on neither side of the protests, but agreed with some of the issues on both sides, gestures to the crowds and is cheered on August 07, 2024 in Liverpool, England. A series of anti-immigrant protests and riots have swept the country in the week after a deadly knife attack in Southport, England, fuelled by false rumours that the suspect was an asylum seeker. In recent days, far-right groups on social media have circulated a list of more than 30 anti-immigration protests scheduled for tonight at asylum centres and immigration firms across the UK. It was unclear how many locations would attract sizeable crowds; in many locations, the group “Stand Up To Racism” had organised counterprotests ahead of the planned protests. (Photo by Ryan Jenkinson/Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, UNITED KINGDOM – AUGUST 07: Hundreds of anti-racism protesters gather at The Refugee and Migrant Centre in Frederick Street and marched through central Birmingham, responding to rumours of a protest targeting a migrant and refugee centre in United Kingdom on August 07, 2024. (Photo by Thomas Krych/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Police officers detain a person during an anti-immigration protest in Blackpool. Picture date: Wednesday August 7, 2024. (Photo by PA Wire/PA Images via Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, UNITED KINGDOM – AUGUST 07: Hundreds of anti-racism protesters gather at The Refugee and Migrant Centre in Frederick Street and marched through central Birmingham, responding to rumours of a protest targeting a migrant and refugee centre in United Kingdom on August 07, 2024. (Photo by Thomas Krych/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Police officers detain a person during an anti-immigration protest in Blackpool. Picture date: Wednesday August 7, 2024. (Photo by PA Wire/PA Images via Getty Images)
Alana Johnston, five, holds a banner during a protest by unions at Stormont, Belfast, as MLAs are returning from summer recess for an Assembly sitting to discuss recent scenes of violent disorder on the streets of Belfast. Picture date: Thursday August 8, 2024. (Photo by Mark Marlow/PA Images via Getty Images)
Regardless, concertgoers will remain on high alert as Swift comes to Wembley Stadium.
Gamache told NewsNation that she has extended her European trip so she can see Swift in London.
“Of course, there’s going to be concerns,” Gamache said about seeing Swift in London. “I just don’t want that kind of threat to stop me from living my life.”
She continued, “I think that that’s what terrorists always focus on, is to instill fear, and I’m not going to let that stop me from doing what I originally wanted to, which is seeing one of my favorite artists in concert.”
Swift’s final Eras Tour concert in Europe is scheduled for Aug. 20. The popstar will then head back to the U.S. for shows in Miami, New Orleans and Indianapolis before heading to Canada for the last leg of her tour for the year.
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