An Austrian court is scheduled to sentence a 21-year-old man, Beran A., who pleaded guilty to planning a jihadist terror attack targeting Taylor Swift’s “Eras” tour shows in Vienna in 2024. According to multiple reports, the alleged plan was linked to the Islamic State (IS). The plot was reportedly thwarted before any attack occurred, with authorities warning of the threat—attributed in the coverage to the IS—leading to security concerns around the concerts.
Even though the attack did not take place, Austrian authorities cancelled three of Swift’s scheduled Vienna performances at Ernst Happel Stadium in August 2024. The reports describe the intended target as Swift’s fans outside the venue, with the planned method described as involving knives or homemade explosives.
The defendant was tried in Wiener Neustadt near Vienna on terror-related charges and additional offences. Coverage also states that he faces a possible prison term of up to 20 years after admitting to the IS-linked plot.
