An Austrian court has sentenced a man to 15 years in prison for planning an attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna almost two years ago. The 21-year-old, identified as Beran A. under Austrian privacy laws, was found guilty of charges related to the concert plot, according to the Austria Press Agency.
During the trial’s opening day last month, Beran A.’s defense acknowledged his admission of guilt regarding the concert plan. Although the attack did not occur, authorities canceled Swift’s three scheduled performances in August 2024 as a precaution.
Before the court rendered a verdict, Beran A. expressed remorse, stating, “I would just like to say that I am sorry.” Photographs from the courtroom show the defendant hiding his face with a folder while in handcuffs.
Allegations against Beran A. included intentions to target attendees near the Ernst Happel Stadium using knives or homemade explosives. Swift’s concerts, part of her record-breaking Eras Tour, attracted tens of thousands of devoted fans. Many, disappointed by the cancellations, gathered in central Vienna to exchange friendship bracelets and share their feelings.
Prosecutors also tied Beran A. to connections with the Islamic State group, claiming discussions took place about acquiring weapons and constructing bombs. The defendant allegedly attempted to illegally purchase firearms in the days leading up to the concert and pledged allegiance to the militant group. Bomb-making materials were discovered in his apartment during a search on August 7, 2024, one day before the concert was to commence.
“Having our Vienna shows canceled was devastating,” Swift wrote on Instagram two weeks following the incident. “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.”
Beran A. was tried alongside another 21-year-old, Arda K., whose identity remains protected. Both were accused of conspiring with a third man, Hasan E., who is detained in Saudi Arabia. The trio allegedly plotted simultaneous attacks in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the UAE during Ramadan 2024 on behalf of ISIS.
While only Beran A. faced charges linked to the concert plot, the court found both defendants guilty of attending terrorist training and participating in terrorist organizations. Additional charges included contributing to attempted murder associated with Hasan E.’s attack on a security officer in Mecca in March 2024. This incident resulted in injuries to three officers and a woman before Hasan E.’s arrest.
Leave a Reply