Austrian prosecutors have formally charged a 21-year-old man over an alleged terrorism plot targeting concerts by Taylor Swift in Vienna.
The charges stem from an investigation into a planned attack on Swift’s Eras Tour shows scheduled for August 8–10, 2024, at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion. The three concerts were abruptly canceled after authorities uncovered what they described as a credible extremist threat aimed at causing mass casualties.
According to Austrian prosecutors, the suspect identified in local media as Beran A. was arrested in August 2024, just days before the first concert was set to begin. Investigators allege he had declared allegiance to the extremist group Islamic State (IS) and had shared propaganda materials linked to the organization online. Authorities further claim he researched methods of constructing explosives and made attempts to procure illegal weapons abroad.
Prosecutors believe the suspect intended to target large crowds gathered outside and around the stadium, where tens of thousands of fans were expected each night. The alleged plan, officials say, was designed to inflict significant harm.
The case is expected to be heard at the regional court in Wiener Neustadt. If convicted under Austrian anti-terror legislation, the defendant could face up to 20 years in prison.
Austrian authorities have credited international intelligence cooperation with helping to disrupt the plot before it could be carried out. Reports indicate that U.S. intelligence agencies shared key information that assisted in identifying and tracking the suspect ahead of the scheduled performances.
The decision to cancel the Vienna shows was made shortly before the concerts were due to take place. While the move disappointed thousands of fans who had traveled to attend the performances, officials emphasized that public safety remained the top priority.
Despite the cancellations, many fans gathered peacefully in Vienna in the days that followed, holding informal meetups across the city in solidarity and celebration of Swift’s music. The incident has since been cited by security analysts as a reminder of the evolving risks surrounding large-scale global entertainment events.
As the legal proceedings move forward, prosecutors maintain that the swift disruption of the alleged plot shows the importance of coordinated intelligence efforts in preventing potential acts of violence. The accused will now face trial, where he will have the opportunity to respond formally to the charges brought against him.
