DC locals travel to Vienna for canceled Taylor Swift concert

VIENNA, AUSTRIA ( DC News Now ) — Austrian officials have arrested a third person in connection to a terror plot targeting a set of Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna, Austria.

The 18-year-old Iraqi citizen was arrested Thursday, according to Austrian authorities. Two other people were arrested earlier this week, including a 19-year-old man who officials said confessed to planning to kill as many people as possible outside the shows.

Authorities have said the attack was inspired by the Islamic State group.

All three concerts planned in Vienna were canceled, disappointing tens of thousands of fans.

That includes fans who traveled to Europe from the DMV.

“We’ve gone through a lot of emotions since that happened,” said Emma Ferguson, who traveled with her best friend Lisa Beck to see last night’s show.

“The five stages of grief,” said Beck. “We wanted it so badly. So, we were honesty trying not to cry [when we found out].”

The women said hearing about the planned attack changed the dynamic of their trip.

“Trying to be extra aware of your surroundings and thinking if something were to go south, what would I do, where would I go?” explained Ferguson.

Still, they said through the chaos came comradery as Swift fans took to the streets and found solidarity through song. Videos from Vienna show people lining the streets singing Taylor Swift music together and exchanging friendship bracelets throughout the city.

“The overwhelming feeling has been that people don’t want to let this keep them down,” said Ferguson. “Everyone came here for Taylor, but a part of what people love so much about Taylor is the community she’s built in the fandom.”

The pair hope to catch a Swift show some other time.

Meanwhile, they’re just thankful everyone is safe.

“You can only go see another Taylor Swift tour if you’re alive to do it,” said Ferguson.

“I’d rather be alive/not have to witness something horrific happen,” said Beck.

Swift is set to head to London next, where she is scheduled to perform at Webley Stadium on Thursday.

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