Austrian suspect admits plot to attack Taylor Swift concert

Taylor Swift

By Enitan Abdultawab

A 21-year-old Austrian man has pleaded guilty to involvement in a planned attack on a 2024 concert by Taylor Swift in Vienna, authorities have confirmed.

The suspect, identified as Beran A, appeared before a court in Wiener Neustadt on Tuesday, where he admitted to charges linked to terrorism and the disrupted concert plot. The case stems from an alleged plan to carry out a jihadist attack during Swift’s scheduled performances at Vienna’s Ernst Happel Stadium.

Prosecutors said the suspect was arrested on August 7, 2024, after a tip-off from the Central Intelligence Agency, just a day before the concert. The threat forced organisers to cancel all three sold-out shows, which were expected to draw more than 195,000 fans.

Despite the cancellations, thousands of fans still took to the streets of Vienna, singing Swift’s songs and exchanging friendship bracelets in a show of solidarity.

Beran A is standing trial alongside another suspect, Arda K, also 21, who prosecutors say was part of the same terror network allegedly linked to the Islamic State. Investigators claim the pair had broader plans, including potential attacks in cities such as Mecca, Istanbul and Dubai.

According to prosecutors, Beran A had pledged allegiance to IS, shared extremist propaganda online, and attempted to obtain weapons through illegal means.

He is also accused of sourcing bomb-making instructions, including details on producing an explosive device using triacetone triperoxide (TATP), a substance commonly associated with extremist attacks.

Authorities further allege that he received guidance from IS operatives and made several attempts to acquire firearms and explosives for import into Austria. Investigations suggest the planning began around July 21, 2024.

A third individual, a teenager identified as Mohammed A in Germany, was earlier given an 18-month suspended sentence for assisting the plot. Prosecutors said he helped translate bomb-making materials and connected the main suspect with an IS member.

If convicted, the two Austrian suspects face up to 20 years in prison. The trial is expected to continue until late May.