A suspected Islamic State supporter accused of plotting to attack one of Taylor Swift's concerts in Vienna nearly two years ago pleaded guilty as his trial began on Tuesday, his lawyer confirmed.
Details of the Plot
Three sold-out shows at Vienna's Ernst Happel Stadium were cancelled after police uncovered Beran Aliyi's alleged plan to murder fans using a homemade explosive concealed in a Red Bull can. Fans of the pop star, known as Swifties, had travelled from around the world for her record-breaking Eras Tour and were left devastated, though many later turned the city into a hub for friendship bracelet trading and singalongs.
Aliyi, 21, an Austrian citizen, faces charges including terrorist offences and membership of a terrorist organisation. His lawyer had previously said he would plead guilty to most charges. He faces up to 20 years in prison and is on trial alongside a second suspect, Arda K., whose full name has not been made public.
Broader Terror Network
They, with a third man, planned to carry out simultaneous attacks in Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates during Ramadan in 2024 in the name of the Islamic State group. Aliyi and Arda K. never carried out their attacks. Only Aliyi was charged in connection with the Taylor Swift plot.
Defendant Beran Aliyi wears a new shirt as he is returned to the courtroom in the District Court in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, where he stands trial. He is accused of plotting to attack one of Taylor Swift's concerts in Vienna nearly two years ago. Taylor Swift performs during 'The Eras Tour' at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Aug. 7, 2023.
Target and Intent
He allegedly planned to target onlookers gathered outside Ernst Happel Stadium, up to 30,000 each night, with another 65,000 inside the venue, with knives or homemade explosives. The suspect hoped to 'kill as many people as possible,' authorities said in 2024. The US provided intelligence that fed into the decision to cancel the concerts.
Aliyi also allegedly networked with other members of IS ahead of the planned attack. Prosecutors say they discussed purchasing weapons and making bombs, and that the defendant also sought to illegally buy weapons in the days ahead of the performance. In addition, he swore allegiance to the militant group.
Investigation and Aftermath
Authorities searched his apartment on August 7, 2024 and found bomb-making materials. The concerts were scheduled to begin the next day. 'Having our Vienna shows cancelled was devastating,' Swift wrote in a statement posted to Instagram two weeks later. 'The reason for the cancellations filled me with a new sense of fear, and a tremendous amount of guilt because so many people had planned on coming to those shows.'
The trial is being held in Wiener Neustadt, about an hour south of Vienna. The proceedings are likely to continue until May 12. Prosecutors have also filed terrorism-related charges against Arda K. in connection with the plan for simultaneous attacks in Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates. The third man in that plot, Hasan E., allegedly stabbed a security guard with a knife at the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on March 11, 2024. He was arrested and remains in pretrial detention in Saudi Arabia, Austrian prosecutors said. Aliyi and Arda K. did not carry out their plans in Turkey and the UAE. Aliyi returned to Vienna and then allegedly began plotting to attack a Swift concert there.
