Man charged of terrorism after plotting Taylor Swift concert attack in Vienna

A man in Austria is facing terrorism charges, in connection with an alleged plot to attack a Taylor Swift concert scheduled to take place in Vienna in August 2024.

The Vienna prosecutor's office announced on Monday that charges have been filed against the main suspect, identified as 21-year-old Beran A, in connection with an alleged terrorist plot. The charges, which include being a member of a terrorist organisation, making explosives, and attempting to illegally purchase weapons, could result in a 20-year jail sentence if he is convicted.

Following a tip-off from the CIA, a suspect was arrested before the scheduled Taylor Swift concert in Vienna. The US star singer's three sold-out shows at the Ernst Happel Stadium were consequently cancelled.

The indictment states that the suspect, Beran A, received online guidance for constructing a shrapnel bomb using the explosive triacetone triperoxide (TATP). The type of shrapnel bomb was identified as one "specific to IS attacks." He is also believed to have sought advice from ISIS members on how to execute a bombing.

US foreign intelligence services reported in 2024 that the plotters had intended to kill a large number of concert-goers. Beran A is also alleged to have planned an earlier attack in Dubai in March 2024. Reports at the time suggested this was part of a coordinated plot involving three simultaneous ISIS attacks, but he reportedly abandoned the plan at the last minute.