A 21-year-old Austrian man has pleaded guilty in a Vienna court over a jihadist plot to attack a Taylor Swift concert in August 2024, which led to the cancellation of three scheduled shows. The defendant, identified as Beran A under Austrian privacy rules, admitted to charges related to the scheme, which involved plans to kill fans outside the Ernst Happel stadium using knives or homemade explosives.
The plot was thwarted hours before the first concert, but authorities still cancelled Swift's performances on her Eras Tour, devastating fans who had travelled from around the world. Swift later said the cancellations filled her with fear and guilt. Beran A pleaded guilty to the concert plot, telling the judge: 'Yes,' when asked. His defence attorney said he deeply regretted his actions, calling it 'the biggest mistake of his life.'
Beran A faces charges including terrorist offences and membership of a terrorist organisation. Prosecutors allege he shared Islamic State propaganda, attempted to buy weapons, and produced a small amount of explosive. He is also accused, along with a Slovak national, Arda K, of planning attacks in the Middle East that did not materialise, and of providing moral support to a third man who allegedly stabbed a security guard in Mecca.
The trial is being held in Wiener Neustadt. Beran A could face up to 20 years in prison. Arda K has pleaded guilty to travelling to Istanbul for an attack but denied supporting the Mecca plot. The third man remains in custody in Saudi Arabia.
