Admin I Friday, July 19, 2024
GELSENKIRCHEN – German police detained a suspected Taylor Swift stalker before the US superstar kicked off the German leg of her record-breaking Eras Tour in the western city of Gelsenkirchen on Wednesday evening.
The man had made threats against the singer, a police spokeswoman said early on Thursday, without providing further details.
Overall, the concert on Wednesday was a peaceful event attended by some 60,000 visitors, the statement said.
A police operation involving a separate incident caused delays as fans were leaving the venue after the concert, police said. A 70-year-old man had called the police for help, according to the spokeswoman. When the officers arrived, they heard bangs, prompting them to cordon off a road leading to the nearby arena.
The man, who was experiencing mental distress, was taken to hospital, according to police. It was initially unclear what caused the bangs. Swift, who last toured Germany nine years ago, will also be performing in Gelsenkirchen on Thursday and Friday.
Gelsenkirchen is expecting around 200,000 fans to attend the three concerts.