Austrian Man Jailed for 15 Years Over Foiled 2024 Terror Plot at Taylor Swift’s Vienna Concert

An Austrian court has sentenced a 21-year-old man, identified as Beran A., to 15 years in prison for plotting a terrorist attack on Taylor Swift’s “Eras Tour” concerts in Vienna. The sentencing, handed down today after a trial in Wiener Neustadt, found the defendant guilty of terror offenses and membership in a terrorist organization.

According to prosecutors, Beran A. planned to use explosives, knives, or a vehicle to target up to 30,000 fans gathered outside Ernst Happel Stadium and another 65,000 inside. He was arrested on August 7, 2024, just one day before the first scheduled performance, prompting the cancellation of all three sold-out Vienna shows. Although he faced up to 20 years, the court ultimately imposed a 15-year sentence.

Anna Mair, his defense attorney, stated that her client—who has been in jail since his August 2024 arrest—was deeply remorseful. “Of course, he deeply regrets it all,” Mair told reporters outside the court. “It is also due to the long period of detention that he says it was the biggest mistake of his life.”

Prosecutors also alleged that Beran A. was involved in separate attack plots targeting Turkey, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, though he denied those specific charges. Before the verdict was delivered, Beran A. addressed the court and offered an apology, stating, “I would just like to say that I am sorry.”