American Man Making Social Media Threats Against Taylor Swift Detained in Germany

BERLIN — A 34-year-old American man who made threats against Taylor Swift on social media was detained before her first concert in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. He will remain in custody until her performances there are complete, police stated on Thursday.

The suspected stalker, whose name wasn’t revealed, had a ticket to Swift’s concert at Gelsenkirchen’s Veltins-Arena on Wednesday, police said in a statement. They explained that an initial investigation couldn’t completely eliminate a risk, so he was detained during entry checks for the event.

Police indicated that the man had made threats against Swift and her partner on social media. They said he was detained following tips from event organizers.

The American superstar is scheduled to perform in Gelsenkirchen on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday as part of her Eras Tour. A local court ordered the suspected stalker to remain in detention until Saturday, police reported.

They emphasized that at no time was there any danger to Swift or the audience. Wednesday evening’s concert, attended by approximately 60,000 people, proceeded peacefully.

Ahead of the concerts, Gelsenkirchen temporarily renamed itself “Swiftkirchen” and honored the singer on a “Walk of Fame” that recognizes local celebrities.

After Gelsenkirchen, Swift is set to perform in two more German cities, Hamburg and Munich.